Question 1

No student at Pinewoods High takes both biology and chemistry at the same time. Ramona and Quinn are both students at Pinewoods and neither takes biology, so they must both be enrolled in chemistry.
Which one of the following arguments displays a flawed pattern of reasoning most similar to that in the argument above?
A)No employee at Sunstar Bank is both an accountant and a manager. Because Chris is both a teller and a manager at his job, he must not work at Sunstar.
B)No one can travel to both New York and San Diego in the same day. Because James is on a flight to New York, he clearly will not be able to go to San Diego as well.
C)The job posting requires a candidate who can sing and dance. Beatrice can sing very well but cannot dance, so she is unqualified for the job.
D)No one can complete a bachelor's degree while completing a Ph.D. Raymond is not in graduate school, so he must still be working on his bachelor's.
E)Both law school and public policy school take multiple years to complete. Elisa only took one year to finish school, so she must not have gone to either.

Accepted Answer

The answer that displays a flawed pattern of reasoning most similar to the original passage is answer D. In the original passage, it is mistakenly assumed that if two things cannot be done together, if one is not being done, then the other must. In answer D, it is assumed that since Raymond can't get his Ph.D. and bachelor's together, if he's not completing a Ph.D. then he must be doing the other, ignoring the possibility that he is finishing neither.

Question 2

Banning DDT was the correct decision, because DDT not only killed unwanted pests such as mosquitoes, but also killed or made infertile many desirable animals, such as bald eagles. For this reason alone the ban on DDT should be continued. In the decades since DDT has been banned, the bald eagle population has stabilized.
Which of the following most accurately expresses the argument's main conclusion?
A)Bald eagles are incredibly important animals.
B)Mosquitoes are unwanted pests.
C)DDT destroyed not only unwanted pests but also other animals.
D)Banning DDT was the correct decision and the ban should continue.
E)Since DDT has been banned the bald eagle population has stabilized.

Accepted Answer

The main conclusion of the argument is that banning DDT was the correct decision and the ban should continue. The passage gives reasons not to use DDT and shows the beneficial effects of its banning, to justify the main conclusion that banning the chemical was a smart decision and should not stop.

Question 3

Researchers have established that diets rich in lean poultry, fish, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables are the healthiest. However, on average, people who follow such a diet generally have more serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, than does the general population.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps resolve the apparent paradox above?
A)On average, the recommended diet is more expensive than an average diet, meaning few people are able to follow it.
B)Most people only adopt the recommended diet after already developing serious health problems.
C)The recommended diet means that many people cannot eat their favorite foods and so eventually revert back to a more conventional diet.
D)The recommended diet has dramatic benefits for some people but only marginal benefits for others.
E)For some people with certain genetic conditions, the recommended diet is not appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The answer that most helps resolve the apparent paradox is that most people only adopt the recommended diet after already developing serious health problems. The passage states that the diet is healthier, yet people who follow it seem to be unhealthier. Both of these statements could be true if most people adopt the healthy diet only after developing health problems.

Question 4

A theoretical framework assists academics in organizing their thoughts and making them relatable to an educated but diverse audience. However, many political scientists argue that theoretical frameworks have a Western bias, and are not appropriate for many sub fields, including comparative politics. Therefore, _________________________________.
Which of the following most logically completes the argument?
A)There is no benefit to using a theoretical framework.
B)Theoretical frameworks are inappropriate for the field of political science.
C)Theoretical frameworks can be useful, but they may not be appropriate for all academic disciplines.
D)Using a theoretical framework gives evidence of an academic's biases.
E)A work's intended audience must not be considered.

Accepted Answer

The statement that most logically completes the argument is that while theoretical frameworks can be useful, they may not be appropriate in all fields. The passage explains the positive aspects of theoretical frameworks, but admits they have limitations. Answer C is most similar to those sentiments.

Question 5

Therapist: "People suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, often struggle with social anxiety. PTSD symptoms are especially severe for people who already struggled with anxiety prior to developing PTSD. PTSD is common in military veterans, so it is important for the military to test people for anxiety disorders before they join in order to prevent people who will be more heavily impacted by PTSD from suffering its consequences."
Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps justify the conclusion of the argument?
A)Therapists have a duty to understand how and why some people suffer more from certain disorders than others.
B)If people are likely to suffer a disease, steps should be taken to ensure that their risk is lessened.
C)The military should not refuse people the opportunity to serve just because something is more likely to happen to them.
D)Mental illnesses should be treated just like physical illnesses.
E)The military has a duty to only accept the most qualified recruits, and social anxiety is a weakness that cannot be tolerated.

Accepted Answer

The argument's conclusion is that if people are likely to suffer a disease, steps should be taken to ensure that their risk is lessened. The therapist is calling for the military to identify people at risk for PTSD and take steps to make sure they are not affected.

Question 6

In one sitting, a person eating regular potato chips usually eats about 500 calories and 30 grams of fat. A person eating tortilla chips eats about 300 calories and 15 grams of fat. However, tortilla chip eaters often add guacamole, making the calorie count much higher than that of eating regular potato chips. Eating regular potato chips is therefore better for people who are watching their calorie and fat consumption.
Which of the following is assumed in the argument?
A)The calories and fat in both kinds of chips are similar in nature.
B)Regular potato chip eaters do not add guacamole or anything else that adds calories.
C)Most people do not eat both regular chips and tortilla chips.
D)Most tortilla chip eaters believe they are eating fewer calories than if they ate regular chips.
E)Eating regular or tortilla chips both provide roughly the same health benefits.

Accepted Answer

It is assumed in the argument that regular potato chip eaters do not add guacamole or anything else that adds calories. In the passage, it is clear that for the chips alone, regular chips have more calories and fat, and it is only the guacamole that makes the tortilla chips more fattening with more calories. So if eating regular chips is better for people, then people must not be adding guacamole to regular chips.

Question 7

At a track event, runners, long jumpers, and throwers are present. All of the runners are long jumpers, and none of the throwers are runners.
If the statements above are true, then which of the following must also be true?
A)All of the long jumpers are runners.
B)Most of the throwers are not long jumpers.
C)Some of the long jumpers are not throwers.
D)All of the runners are also throwers.
E)None of the throwers are also long jumpers.

Accepted Answer

It must be true that some of the runners are not throwers. If none of the throwers are runners, and all the runners are long jumpers, then it must be true that there are at least some long jumpers who are not throwers, because if they were throwers they would have to run.

Question 8

Politicians should not do anything to make their constituents lose respect for them. People can sense when someone is lying. Therefore, a politician should not lie and should always try to give honest answers in order to be respected.
The conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?
A)People lose respect for someone who lies.
B)A politician cannot be successful unless she has respect.
C)Honesty is the most important requirement for a politician.
D)Politicians are able to tell if people respect them.
E)A politician who lies is never successful.

Accepted Answer

The conclusion is properly drawn if people lose respect for someone who lies. The passage argues that politicians shouldn't lie because they shouldn't do anything to make people respect them less. For this to make sense, people must lose respect for someone who lies.

Question 9

When a typhoon struck Taiwan, people in the Philippines sent massive amounts of aid in the form of supplies and workers. The Philippines is often struck by typhoons and has excellent knowledge of the type of assistance required by Taiwan. At the same time, an earthquake struck Pakistan, and the Philippines did very little to assist in the recovery efforts. This led many in Pakistan to proclaim that the people of the Philippines did not care about them as much as they cared about people in Taiwan.
Which of the following would undermine the idea that the Philippines did not care for the earthquake victims?
A)The Philippines is a poor country and is reliant on aid programs for its own survival.
B)The earthquake was by all accounts a much larger disaster than the typhoon.
C)Distance and logistics made getting supplies and workers to Pakistan impossible for the Philippines, although they were able to send supplies to much closer Taiwan.
D)The Philippines was hoping that by assisting in the typhoon recovery effort, they would achieve a friendlier relationship with Taiwan.
E)The recovery work after an earthquake or a typhoon is remarkably similar in nature.

Accepted Answer

The fact that distance and logistics made getting supplies and workers to Pakistan impossible for the Philippines, unlike to the much closer Taiwan, undermines the idea that the Philippines did not care for the earthquake victims in Pakistan. This answer explains how geography and logistics, not lack of care, accounted for why the Philippines aided one country but not another.

Question 10

A biology department at a university recently received a large donation from a chemical company after agreeing to research the effects of an Alzheimer's drug recently developed by the company. After the research study was completed, other universities asserted that the study was biased due to the donation from the company. As proof of the unbiased nature of the study, the department president asserted that they did not receive funds from the company until after the study was completed.
Which of the following most undermines the department president's position?
A)The biology department has a long-standing policy of accepting donations from all corporate donors.
B)The company made it known that it would only make the donation if the results of the study were positive for the drug, which they were.
C)Other universities were denied a donation from the chemical company.
D)The company had assured that biology department that they would make a donation even if the results showed problems with the drug.
E)The department president is in no way affiliated with the chemical company, other than through the donation.

Accepted Answer

It most undermines the department president's position if the company made it known that it would only make the donation if the results of the study were positive for the drug, which they were. If the funds were conditional on a positive result from the study, that is evidence of possible bias, calling into question the department president's assertion that the study was unbiased because it was conducted before they received the funds.

Question 11

A biology department at a university recently received a large donation from a chemical company after agreeing to research the effects of an Alzheimer's drug recently developed by the company. After the research study was completed, other universities asserted that the study was biased due to the donation from the company. As proof of the unbiased nature of the study, the department president asserted that they did not receive funds from the company until after the study was completed.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the position of the department president?
A)Researchers in the study were not told of the possible donation until after the study was completed.
B)Researchers in the study had previously worked for the chemical company making the donation.
C)Another university conducted an independent study of the drug in question at the same time of the biology department.
D)Claims of bias are common whenever drug research is funded by a private entity.
E)The donation from the company will be used for new equipment, and not to conduct any studies.

Accepted Answer

If true, it would strengthen the department president's position if researchers in the study were not told of the possible donation until after the study was completed. If the researchers did not know of the possible conflict of interest, they would have no reason to alter results and claims of bias would be less likely to be true.

Question 12

In general, there are more car accidents in metropolitan areas than in rural areas. This is despite the fact that metropolitan areas have better maintained roads, better signage, and cars are generally in better working condition than in rural areas.
Which of the following, if true, most helps explain the facts described above?
A)People in rural areas tend to drive more miles each year, as they are more reliant on their automobiles.
B)People in rural areas often drive even without a license, as there is less risk of being caught by police.
C)There are more people in metropolitan areas, so the chances of car collisions are much greater.
D)While the overall accident rate is higher in metropolitan areas, the rate of drunk driving accidents is higher in rural areas.
E)There are fewer people in rural areas to pay taxes for road improvements and highway patrol.

Accepted Answer

The fact that there are more people in metropolitan areas, which increases the chance of car collisions, helps explain the facts. Metropolitan areas could have better roads, but they also have more cars, and so greater risks for collision, which explains why the rate would be higher.

Question 13

We now know that people in medieval Europe had a high degree of literacy and appreciation for works of classic literature. In writings by medieval monks, it is clear that the monks were well read in classic Greek and Latin literature and prolific in producing their own literary works. We therefore need to rethink the idea that most people in medieval Europe were not well educated.
The argument's reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it
A)Fails to devise what constitutes a high degree of literacy.
B)Overlooks the achievement in other areas, such as math or science.
C)Relies on an unrepresentative sample.
D)Takes correlation as evidence of causation.
E)Fails to define what constitutes prolific production of literature.

Accepted Answer

The argument's reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it relies on an unrepresentative sample. The passage only discusses the education of monks, but makes observations about society as a whole, without recognizing that the specific population discussed may not be representative of the larger community at that time.

Question 14

Although most children are at least somewhat aware of when they are exhibiting selfish behavior, most children also fail to stop this behavior without prompting. This is because the benefits of selfish behavior, such as refusing to share a toy, are immediately apparent, whereas the benefits from generosity are harder to see and much harder for a child to comprehend. Therefore, if we want children to be more generous, it is necessary to _____________________________.
Which of the following would most logically complete the passage?
A)Allow them to discover the benefits of generosity on their own.
B)Practice generosity in our own lives since children will fail to do the same.
C)Allow children to exhibit selfish behavior in at least small quantities.
D)Explain to children the value of generosity and its benefits so they will begin to understand.
E)Punish children when they refuse to share a toy.

Accepted Answer

That we should explain to children the value of generosity and its benefits so they will begin to understand most logically completes the passage. The passage points out that children have trouble being generous, but that there are benefits to generosity, and that we should help children to see and understand them.

Question 15

Activist: "Many parents are concerned about sexual images in television and movies. There are increasing calls to limit the amount of sexual material and nudity in TV and movies, especially in films and TV marketed to young people. However, this would be censorship and we cannot allow it to happen. Even if there are damaging effects from watching too much sexualized material, it is better to suffer those effects than to allow the government to restrict what we can and cannot watch."
Based on the passage above, it is most likely that the activist would agree with which of the following principles?
A)We must prioritize our children over everything else.
B)Freedom of expression is important to protect, no matter the cost.
C)Censorship can be appropriate in certain, limited circumstances.
D)Regulation is not desirable but is a necessary evil.
E)It is the role of the parents, not the government, to decide what children can watch.

Accepted Answer

The activist would most likely agree with the principle that freedom of expression is important to protect, no matter the cost. The activist acknowledges that there are downsides to some forms of media, but that these downsides are not compelling reasons to allow censorship, making it likely that she would agree with principle B.

Question 16

To cut costs, a local town stopped adding fluoride to its water supply. After the change, local dentists noticed a 25% rise in their number of patients. Clearly, removing fluoride had negative effects on dental health in the town.
The argument depends on assuming which of the following?
A)At least some of the dentist visits were due to a decrease in fluoride intake.
B)Most of the people in the town always drank from the water supply.
C)Cutting the fluoride supply was an effective way to reduce costs.
D)A 25% rise is an abnormally high change in the number of dental patients.
E)Local dentists always keep meticulous records on their numbers of patients.

Accepted Answer

The argument assumes that at least some of the dentist visits were due to a decrease in fluoride intake. The passage links a rise in dentist visits to the cut in fluoride supply. For this link to exist, then at least some of the visits must have been related to a lack of fluoride.

Question 17

A recent study of 5,000 auto accident victims showed that the driver of the car had only a 50% chance of injury in accidents, but passengers in the car were injured 75% of the time. This shows that riding as a passenger is more dangerous than driving because collisions are more likely to impact other parts of the car than the driver's seat.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
A)Small cars are much more dangerous to ride in than large cars, and are more common.
B)Rear end accidents are much more common than head on collisions.
C)Most cars are equipped with airbags for both the driver and front passenger.
D)Drivers are likely to be more distracted with passengers in the car.
E)Drivers are much more likely to wear a seatbelt than are their passengers.

Accepted Answer

If drivers are much more likely to wear a seatbelt than are their passengers, that would explain why they would have a lower rate of injuries, calling into question the passage's conclusion.

Question 18

In a review of popular music, researchers found that the common themes of love and betrayal accounted for the subject matter in roughly 80% of songs. Despite the common themes, many people still continue to spend money on new popular music.
Each of the following, if true, would contribute to an explanation of the apparent discrepancy above EXCEPT
A)Even if the subject is the same, there are so many emotions related to love and betrayal it is possible to sing of them in many different ways.
B)Many people like to listen to music expressing what they themselves find hard to express, which are often feelings of emotions such as love or loss.
C)While love songs are always popular, the biggest hits of the past few years have all been songs with a political message.
D)Although most songs are about love or betrayal, artists find new ways to engage the material, as many are now singing about love between people of the same gender or different races.
E)People find comfort in listening to songs about love or betrayal after suffering a break-up, even if they have heard the subject matter many times before.

Accepted Answer

The answer that while love songs are always popular, the biggest hits of the past few years have all been songs with a political message does not contribute to an explanation of the apparent discrepancy.

Question 19

Crocodiles have evolved to become large and powerful enough to eat even large animals, while also staying small enough to move quickly to avoid predators. Fossil evidence suggests that crocodiles were once up to 40 feet long, but began reaching smaller adult sizes as time passed. It follows that the very smallest crocodiles were most likely to live to adulthood because they could move quickly.
Which of the following describes a flaw in the reasoning of the passage?
A)It overlooks the possibility that crocodiles evolved slowly over millions of years.
B)It overlooks the possibility that intermediate sized crocodiles may have been most successful in living to adulthood.
C)It overlooks the fact that size varies between male and female crocodiles.
D)It presumes, without providing justification, that crocodiles are both predator and prey.
E)The argument assumes that crocodiles are aware of how powerful and large they become.

Accepted Answer

A flaw in the reasoning is that it overlooks the possibility that intermediate sized crocodiles could have been most successful in surviving to adulthood. Even though crocodiles have been reaching smaller adult sizes over time, this does not mean that only the very smallest crocodiles lived to be adults. Intermediate sized crocodiles being the most likely to survive also would reduce the average size of an adult crocodile.

Question 20

Historian: "When the computer was first invented, most people involved never imagined that computers could become as small as they are today, and certainly never imagined that each person would own one or more computers. They were intended mainly as a tool for universities and governments and were incredibly expensive. Given the rapid progress in computer technology in recent decades, it is likely that it is hard to predict even today how computer technology will develop and what new uses we will find for computers."
Which of the following is most strongly supported by the historians statements?
A)Computers will develop in a way that we find impossible to predict today.
B)When computers were first developed, they were not intended as personal devices.
C)Computers are more appropriate for universities and governments than individual users.
D)Looking at the history of computers makes it clear that it's hard to predict the future development of the field.
E)Early developers of computers were naïve in assuming that computers would not advance as much as they have.

Accepted Answer

The answer that looking at the history of computers makes it clear it's hard to predict the future development of the field is most strongly supported by the historian's statement.

Quiz 1: Logical Reasoning

At a track event, runners, long jumpers, and throwers are present. All of the runners are long jumpers, and none of the throwers are runners. If the statements above are true, then which of the following must also be true?

To cut costs, a local town stopped adding fluoride to its water supply. After the change, local dentists noticed a 25% rise in their number of patients. Clearly, removing fluoride had negative effects on dental health in the town. The argument depends on assuming which of the following?