Online classes are clearly easier than face to face classes. Students can log in whenever they want, and they do not have to show up to class or listen to lectures. I am going to take as many online classes as possible so I can breeze through my degree.
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?
Show Hint
- Online courses require students to log in five days a week.
- Face to face classes only meet twice a week.
- Online courses require students to participate in the discussion by posting to a discussion board at least three times during the week, and also require a major research paper at the end of the course.
- Many upper level courses are not offered online.
- There is a higher faculty/student ratio in online courses.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument claims that online classes are easier than face-to-face classes because students can log in whenever they want and don't have to attend lectures. The goal is to identify a statement that weakens this argument.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Online courses require students to log in five days a week: This does not weaken the argument because it still suggests that students can log in at their convenience, even if it is five days a week.
- (B) Face to face classes only meet twice a week: This does not directly weaken the argument, as it does not address the level of difficulty of online courses.
- (C) Online courses require students to participate in the discussion by posting to a discussion board at least three times during the week, and also require a major research paper at the end of the course: This weakens the argument significantly because it highlights that online courses require significant participation and work, countering the claim that they are easier.
- (D) Many upper level courses are not offered online: This does not weaken the argument, as it does not speak to the ease of online courses.
- (E) There is a higher faculty/student ratio in online courses: This does not weaken the argument because a higher ratio could imply more support but does not directly speak to the difficulty or ease of online courses.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The statement in option (C) weakens the argument most because it shows that online courses require a significant amount of work, which contradicts the notion that they are easier than face-to-face classes.
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