Using Quantitative Evidence in Arguments

What is the primary purpose of quantitative evidence in arguments?

• To provide numerical data as proof

• To replace textual arguments

• To summarize unrelated claims

• To confuse the audience

On the SAT®, which graph would best show the relationship between hours studied and test scores?

• Box plot

• Line graph

• Pie chart

• Histogram

A passage claims that cities with more parks have lower crime rates. What data supports this?

• Parks per capita increases with population size

• Cities with more parks show fewer arrest record logs

• Crime rates remain unchanged regardless of park numbers

• Wider sidewalks correlate with higher crime rates.

A graph shows restaurant revenue increasing every summer. What can you infer?

• Restaurant popularity spikes in winter

• Revenue decreases during summer

• Summer events boost restaurant sales

• Outdoor seating has no impact on revenue.

What is the first step in analyzing quantitative data in an argument?

• Memorize the data points

• Write a new claim using the data

• Disregard the claim

• Identify the claim in the passage.

A report claims students in schools with smaller class sizes perform better academically. What data supports this?

• Test scores are higher in schools with large class sizes

• Student performance is unrelated to class size

• Schools with smaller classes have fewer teachers

• Smaller classes correlate with higher test scores.

A report claims businesses with flexible hours attract more employees. What data would weaken this?

• Flexible-hour businesses see higher employee satisfaction

• Companies with rigid schedules struggle to fill roles

• Businesses with flexible hours report no increase in job applicants

• Flexible-hour businesses report a significant rise in applications.

What question helps determine if data supports an argument?

• What patterns do the data show?

• How old is the data?

• Is the argument complex?

• Is the data colorful?

A graph shows renewable energy jobs rising by 20% annually. What supports this trend?

• Renewable energy job decline in one region

• Consistent job growth across all regions

• Job growth only in non-renewable energy

• Declining job numbers in clean energy

Which choice strengthens an argument about longer life expectancy due to healthcare?

• Graph showing healthcare access improves with education

• Data linking healthcare access to increased life expectancy

• Life expectancy unrelated to healthcare improvements

• Data showing declining life expectancy