Daily Olympiad: Logical Reasoning - Arguments [20260512]

Challenge yourself with today's CLAT practice! This test covers 'Arguments' for Logical Reasoning (CLAT - 12). Level: Medium | Duration: 40 mins.

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1. A study claims that students who meditate daily score 15% higher in exams. The argument would be significantly weakened if which of the following is true?

Solution
Correct: C
Self-reliant mediation reporting via an unverified app introduces bias and measurement errors. If participants overstated their meditation time, the observed improvement may be coincidental rather than causally linked to meditation. This undermines the study’s reliability more than a non-exam period or sample size. A similar control group would maintain validity.

2. A local authority argues that increasing toll fees will reduce traffic congestion by encouraging public transport use. Which of these assumptions is NOT necessary for this argument?

Solution
Correct: B
The assumption about optimal public transport routes is not critical to the argument. The conclusion depends on people preferring public transport over toll roads, not whether existing routes are ideal. The other options address key causal links (equal impact, route alternatives, and demand elasticity) that directly support the argument’s logic.

3. A company claims its energy drink improves reaction time based on a trial with 50 participants. The validity is best questioned by noting:

Solution
Correct: B
Identical placebo group results directly contradict the claim that the drink’s effects are active, not psychological. Other factors like study location or sample diversity are less damaging to the core claim unless shown to bias outcomes. Peer review does not inherently validate results if methodological flaws exist.

4. An article argues that electric vehicles (EVs) are more environmentally friendly than gasoline cars. Which data would most directly strengthen this claim?

Solution
Correct: D
Direct emissions comparison during operation quantifies the main environmental impact. While charging infrastructure and renewable energy improve EV sustainability, they don’t directly compare operational emissions. Lower maintenance costs are economic, not ecological, factors.

5. A politician defends tax cuts for the wealthy by stating, "Historical evidence shows tax cuts always stimulate economic growth." This reasoning is flawed because it:

Solution
Correct: D
The argument asserts causation (tax cuts cause growth) based on historical correlation without accounting for confounding variables (e.g., market cycles, political stability). This is a classic correlation-causation fallacy. The other options describe secondary issues.

6. A law prohibits AI use in job interviews, citing fairness concerns. Which statement would most effectively challenge this conclusion?

Solution
Correct: A
Highlighting greater manual bias in human screening provides a counter-argument comparing alternatives, weakening the need for the law. Other responses focus on AI’s capabilities or current adoption rather than disputing the core premise of fairness concerns.

7. A researcher claims that early marriage leads to higher divorce rates. This argument is most vulnerable to criticism for:

Solution
Correct: B
The core flaw is assuming causality without controlling for confounding factors like socioeconomic status, which could independently affect both marriage patterns and divorce rates. This is a common issue in correlational arguments.

8. A school implements a policy rewarding students for perfect attendance. The principal argues this will improve punctuality. Which assumption is this reasoning based on?

Solution
Correct: A
The assumption is that the reward mechanism (which introduces an incentive) will influence student behavior effectively. Options 3 and 4 address unrelated factors. Option 1 is stronger than Option 2, as the policy relies on rewards being effective, not just their previous absence.