What type of appeal is shown when Miss Jones ridicules a student for asking a tough question?

The situation described illustrates an Appeal to Ridicule, which occurs when someone dismisses an argument or a person's position by mocking or belittling them rather than addressing the issue at hand. In this case, Miss Jones ridiculing a student for asking a tough question demonstrates this type of appeal, as she uses mockery to undermine the student's inquiry instead of engaging thoughtfully with it. This tactic does not provide a rational response to the question but rather seeks to trivialize the student's concerns, making it an effective example of how ridicule can be used to influence opinions or discourage participation in a discussion. The ridicule can create a social pressure to conform or avoid similar situations, which can be a powerful tool in discourse, especially in a classroom setting.