Question

Educational research shows that students who attend schools with low faculty/student ratios perform better on standardized tests than students who attend schools with high ratios. Therefore, homeschooling is the best option because the student and parent can work one on one. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

• A. Standardized test results for homeschooled students show that scores are highly related to the parent-teacher's level of education.
• B. Standardized test results from larger schools that require teachers to have a Master's degree are comparable to test results for students from smaller schools.
• C. Studies show that homeschooled students struggle socially.
• D. Standardized test results for homeschooled students show the same range of scores as scores for students from large schools.
• E. Private schooling is prohibitively expensive for many families.

Hint:

To weaken an argument based on one factor (like faculty/student ratio), introduce evidence that other factors (like teacher qualification) could produce similar outcomes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument suggests that homeschooling is superior because it provides a low faculty/student ratio, which is assumed to lead to better test performance. The goal is to weaken this argument by showing that another factor could also result in similar or better outcomes.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Standardized test results for homeschooled students show that scores are highly related to the parent-teacher's level of education: Incorrect. This does not weaken the argument, as it does not challenge the idea that lower faculty/student ratios improve performance.
- (B) Standardized test results from larger schools that require teachers to have a Master's degree are comparable to test results for students from smaller schools: Correct. This directly weakens the argument by suggesting that the faculty/student ratio alone does not explain performance, as larger schools with more students can still produce similar results.
- (C) Studies show that homeschooled students struggle socially: Incorrect. This does not weaken the argument about academic performance based on faculty/student ratio.
- (D) Standardized test results for homeschooled students show the same range of scores as scores for students from large schools: Incorrect. This is irrelevant because it doesn't directly challenge the argument about the effectiveness of small ratios.
- (E) Private schooling is prohibitively expensive for many families: Incorrect. This does not address the issue of faculty/student ratio and its impact on test performance.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) Standardized test results from larger schools that require teachers to have a Master's degree are comparable to test results for students from smaller schools.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{Standardized test results from larger schools that require teachers to have a Master's degree are comparable to test results for students from smaller schools.}} \]