Question

read the excerpt from an argumentative essay about why music should be offered in elementary school. answer the question that follows.
music should unquestionably be offered in elementary schools, as it is widely recognized and supported by all parents and educators. the fact that a large number of people believe in the value of music education proves its importance and relevance. everyone believes that music education has a big impact on cognitive development, creativity, and emotional expression.
this paragraph uses the ad populum logical fallacy. how could the writer correct this fallacy to support their argument with logical reasoning?
by highlighting that music education is loved by everyone and is passed down through generations
by discussing the writer’s favorite musician and the impact their music has had on their lives
by citing statistics that show the positive impact of music education on brain development, creativity, and emotional expression
by mentioning that the majority of students enjoy music classes and find them entertaining and fun because they get to chill with their friends

Explanation:

The ad populum fallacy relies on appealing to popularity ("everyone believes"). To correct it, using statistics (option B) provides empirical evidence about music education's impact on brain development, creativity, and emotional expression, which is logical reasoning (not just appealing to what "everyone" thinks). Option A still appeals to popularity (saying "everyone" loves it), option C uses personal anecdote (writer’s favorite musician), and option D appeals to majority opinion (students enjoying classes) which is still ad populum - like. So the correct way is using statistics for logical support.

Answer:

B. By citing statistics that show the positive impact of music education on brain development, creativity, and emotional expression