Short answers

ASSIGNMENT CHAPTERS 8-12

Read the argument below and evaluate the evidence provided, any statistics that might be deceptive, and possible information that is omitted.

First year students should not be required to live in dorms on campus. One reason they should be allowed to live on their own is that dorms are often noisy and disruptive to students who wish to study. Researchers found that ninety-five freshmen who live in dorms on campus at a Midwestern university said that they had a difficult time studying in their rooms because of the noise level. One female student surveyed answered, "I have a hard time reading in my room every Thursday through Sunday because of the amount of noise in my hall." Also, dorms tend to promote too much partying and experimentation with drugs and alcohol because of peer pressure and availability. Students who wish to do well in college would be benefited if allowed to live off campus.

1. What evidence is used?

ninety-five freshmen who live in dorms on campus at a Midwestern university

2. Are there any statistics that might be deceptive? If so, explain.

3. List two possible pieces of omitted information that we would want to know more about as critical thinkers.