Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

What is a "Red herring" in the context of an argument?

1. A logical fallacy that ignores the argument's main issue

2. A technique to provide strong evidence

3. A claim that can be independently verified

4. An acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints

The correct answer is: A logical fallacy that ignores the argument's main issue

A "red herring" refers to a logical fallacy used in arguments where the main issue is intentionally ignored or misdirected away from by introducing an irrelevant point. This tactic is often employed to divert attention from the original topic, causing confusion or leading the audience to focus on a different issue that appears related but is actually not pertinent to the argument at hand. In practical terms, a red herring can manifest as a statement or argument that, while sounding plausible, distracts from the critical discussion points necessary for logical reasoning. It undermines logical discourse because it replaces substantiated debate with misdirection, making it difficult for the audience to follow the development of the argument. Other options, while related to argumentation, describe different concepts. For instance, techniques that provide strong evidence focus on supporting claims rather than obscuring them, independent verifiability relates to the credibility of claims, and acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints entails recognizing other ideas without diverting the discussion. All these elements contribute positively to a debate, whereas a red herring acts contrary to sound argumentation.