2. The following appeared in an editorial in a local newspaper. For over a decade, Main Street has suffered from a lack of business. People do not like to shop on Main Street, and store turnover has been relentless. What Main Street needs is a face-lift. We should make a number of small improvements that will make Main Street a more pleasant place to shop, such as better lighting, more benches and potted plants along the sidewalks, and improved parking, which has always been a problem for shoppers along Main Street. These small but important changes will attract both new businesses and new customers to Main Street. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 283 3. The following appeared in a plan proposed to the board of directors of Fresh Food Corporation. To distinguish our stores from our competitors and draw more customers into Fresh Food stores, we should donate a portion of each purchase to a well-known nonprofit organization each year. With the right publicity, people will begin to choose us over our competitors because they will feel good about buying from Fresh Food, even if our products cost a little more. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 284 4. The following was proposed at a town meeting in North Hillsborough. North Hillsborough has seen a record increase in crime in the last five years, while the crime rate in South Hillsborough has seen a slight decline. North Hillsborough has only five police officers, while South Hillsborough has eight. Clearly we need more police officers if we want to reduce crime in North Hillsborough. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 285 5. The following was proposed at a meeting of the marketing team for Zinger mints. Our newest competitor, Mint Magic candies, hits the stores next week. The best way to keep our market share is to develop an ad campaign saying that our mints simply taste better than theirs. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 286 6. The following appeared in a report from human resources to the president of Aberdeen Manufacturing. In a recent survey, 46% of our employees indicated that they would be “very interested” in the option of a four-day, 40-hour workweek. Since this is less than half of our employees, we should not offer this option, because it would not be worth the administrative cost and effort. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 287 7. The following appeared in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. We can all do something to improve the economy: Support our local small business owners. Instead of going to a big chain store to buy your coffee, office supplies, or toothpaste and shampoo, shop at your local coffee shop, stationery store, or pharmacy. Big chain stores have forced thousands of smaller stores out of business, increasing unemployment and weakening the economy. They don’t deserve our patronage. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable, or what information, if any, would help you better evaluate the argument. Complete your essay in 30 minutes. – AWA PRACTICE– 288 . to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments or alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence. alternative explanations would weaken the conclusion. You may also discuss the kind of evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument, what revisions to the argument would make it more reasonable,. essay, be sure to analyze the argument’s logic and use of evidence. For example, you may need to consider whether the assumptions that underlie the argument are sound or whether counterarguments