Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What are scare tactics intended to do in argumentation?

1. Promote logical analysis of risks

2. Use factual data to present dangers

3. Sway opinions by exaggerating potential risks

4. Encourage rational discussion of consequences

The correct answer is: Sway opinions by exaggerating potential risks

Scare tactics are a rhetorical strategy used in argumentation primarily to sway opinions by exaggerating potential risks. This approach relies on instilling fear in the audience rather than providing a balanced analysis of the situation. By overstating dangers, scare tactics aim to provoke an emotional response that can lead people to accept a particular viewpoint without critically assessing the evidence or considering alternative perspectives. Unlike promoting logical analysis of risks or encouraging rational discussion, which would involve careful examination and weighing of evidence, scare tactics bypass rational thought. They can distort the audience's perception of reality, leading to conclusions based on fear rather than facts. This strategy can be effective in persuading people quickly, but it often undermines meaningful dialogue about the issues at hand. Thus, the intention behind scare tactics is not to foster understanding but to manipulate opinions through emotional appeal.