Imagine That, Over College Break, You Get into a Discussion

question 16

Essay

Imagine that, over college break, you get into a discussion with one of your friend's parents concerning IQ tests. This person does not believe in IQ tests and argues that IQ tests for children are meaningless because children are continually learning new information. For example, an IQ test taken at the beginning of the school year would not be relevant at the end of the school year because the child would be able to correctly answer more questions. Briefly present a rebuttal to their arguments.

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Definitions:

Tariff of 1828

Known as the "Tariff of Abominations" by its critics, it was a protective tariff passed by Congress to protect industry in the northern United States, which adversely affected the southern economy.

Abomination

Something that causes disgust or hatred, often used in moral or religious contexts.

Peggy Eaton

A central figure in the Petticoat Affair, a 1830s scandal that affected the cabinet of U.S. President Andrew Jackson.

Public Sphere

The public sphere is a concept in social sciences referring to an area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems, and through that discussion influence political action.