1. A study claims that children who read regularly score higher in exams. Which of the following, if true, would MOST weaken this conclusion?
Solution
Correct: C
Option C introduces a reverse causation issue. If intelligence drives reading habits, the conclusion that reading improves exam scores becomes flawed due to a third variable (intelligence). Options A and D are irrelevant, while B does not directly weaken the causal link.
2. A politician argues that increasing taxes on luxury items will reduce inequality. A potential flaw in this argument is:
Solution
Correct: B
Option B identifies a hidden assumption. If the affluent already avoid luxury taxes (e.g., by buying fewer luxury items), the tax won't meaningfully impact inequality. Option C is a possible side effect, while A and D are generalizations.
3. A farmer claims that planting marigolds reduces pest infestations. Which of the following would BEST strengthen this argument?
Solution
Correct: D
Option D provides a causal mechanism (birds repelling pests) that supports the argument. Option B is correlational, while A is irrelevant. C weakens the claim.
4. An argument claims that renewable energy subsidies are unnecessary because they waste taxpayer money. A possible flaw is:
Solution
Correct: A
Option A counters the premise by showing subsidies serve a public purpose. Option D is a false dilemma (assuming renewables must compete directly with fossil fuels). Options B and C are unrelated to the argument’s validity.
5. A report states that more firefighters are dispatched when there are large fires. The conclusion that firefighters cause fires is invalid because:
Solution
Correct: B
Option B identifies the core logical error in reverse causality (confusing cause and effect). Other options explain why the correlation exists but don't address the logical flaw.
6. An argument claims that online education is inferior to traditional classes. Which of the following would BEST refute this?
Solution
Correct: B
Option B uses evidence of equal outcomes to contradict the assumption that online education is inherently inferior. Others highlight differences but don’t directly refute the conclusion.
7. A company claims its product increases lifespan. To evaluate this, which of the following would be MOST critical to examine?
Solution
Correct: B
Option B provides empirical evidence of causality over time. Other options are irrelevant to verifying the claim’s validity.
8. A policy argues for banning fast food to reduce obesity. A possible counterargument is:
Solution
Correct: B
Option B addresses the ethical implications of the policy (freedom vs. health outcomes), challenging its justification. Other options provide alternative causes but don’t directly criticize the argument.
9. An argument concludes that solar panels should be mandatory. The BEST support for this claim is:
Solution
Correct: D
Option D justifies enforcement by addressing implementation (uniform adoption). Others are benefits but not specific rationales for a mandatory policy.
10. A study finds that people who exercise regularly are happier. The BEST interpretation is:
Solution
Correct: C
Option C avoids making unwarranted causal claims. While there is a correlation, other factors (e.g., health) may explain both.
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