Critical Reasoning

Question 1

What are the two major elements of a critical reasoning argument?

Answer 1

Conclusion-what the author thinks and is trying to convince us of

Premise(s)-why we are supposed to be convinced of this idea

Question 2

Critical reasoning arguments are never…

Answer 2

Logically sound

Question 3

What is the structure of every argument?

Answer 3

Premise + assumption = conclusion

Question 4

In every argument there is a …. that the author does not tell us

Answer 4

Assumption

Question 5

What are conclusion words?

Answer 5

Thus
Consequently 
Therefore
So
Hence
For this reason
As a result 
Indicates 
Suggests 
Accordingly 
If follows

Question 6

What are words that proceed premises?

Answer 6

Because 
Since
Given that
If 
As a result of 
Due to
As 
In view of the fact that

Question 7

What are some Conclusion mental words?

Answer 7

Believes
Claims
Feels
Thinks
Concludes
Predicts
Objects
Asserts 
Contends 
Takes a position 
Judges
Blames 
Theorizes 
Has decided

Question 8

What are some opinionated conclusion words

Answer 8

Should (not)
Could (not)
Might (not) 
Is (not) likely to/impossible
Clearly 
Will (won’t)
Must (not) be 
Is a mistake/ Is correct

Question 9

Describe the If ..Then test for conclusions

Answer 9

Put the argument in an If …. Then form

The if then order must make sense

The then part is the conclusion

Question 10

What is the formula for the “therefore” test for conclusions

Answer 10

X therefore y

Y = conclusion

Question 11

What are some question stems for conclusions ?

Answer 11

Must

Claim

Question 12

Arguments try to convince us that…

Answer 12

Something must be done

Something must be true

Question 13

If you are given a collection of facts and info where will the conclusion be?

Answer 13

In the answer choices

Question 14

What is an unstated premise?

Answer 14

An assumption

Question 15

Unstated evidence on which the argument depends?

Answer 15

Assumption

Question 16

Describe a necessary assumption

Answer 16

It is necessary in order for the conclusion to be true

If its false the entire argument collapses

Question 17

How do you strengthen an argument?

Answer 17

Prove that its assumption is true

Question 18

How do you weaken an argument?

Answer 18

Prove that its assumption is false

Question 19

A good weakening answer choice should be able to go in what pattern?

Answer 19

Premise(s) x do not prove conclusion Y because …(weakening answer)

Question 20

Strengthen questions are similar to… questions

Answer 20

Assumption

Because they ask you to confirm or provide more reason to believe the assumption is true

Question 21

Pick an answer that adds to what you already know but…

Answer 21

Stays on topic

Question 22

If you can find the assumption

Answer 22

You can figure out where the argument is weak or what needs to be strengthened

Question 23

What do mimic questions ask you to do?

Answer 23

Use a given argument to produce a logically similar one

Question 24

What should you remember when faced with a bolded statement question?

Answer 24

Arguments can be split into conclusion and premises

There are almost always 2 competing arguments

You can conveniently group the answer choices and eliminate “no hope” answers quickly, based on what they say about the first bolded statement

Question 25

When you come to a bolded statement simply ask..?

Answer 25

Whose side is this on

Is it their conclusion (main opinion)

Or premise (reason for that opinion)

Question 26

For bolded statement questions

Position = ?
Evidence / reason=?

Answer 26

Position = conclusion

Evidence/ Reason = premise

Question 27

All critical reasoning questions are based on?

Answer 27

Arguments

Question 28

What types of questions don’t have conclusions

Answer 28

Conclusion and paradox

Question 29

Describe what a conclusion question ask you to do?

Answer 29

Draw your own conclusion from a set of facts.

Question 30

Describe what a paradox question ask you to do?

Answer 30

Reconcile two seemingly contradictory pieces of information

Question 31

What words signal a mimic question?

Answer 31

Analogous

Paralleled

Question 32

What verbiage indicates a conclusion question?

Answer 32

Inferred
The statements above… Support which of the following
Implies

Question 33

Whats the difference between a strengthen and conclusion question?

Answer 33

Supporting the facts = conclusion

Support the argument = strengthen

Question 34

What type of question is;

The method of argumentation used in the above passage is most logically similar to which of the following?

Answer 34

Paradox

Question 35

What type of question is;

Which of the following, if true, would most help to explain the situation presented above?

Answer 35

Paradox

Question 36

In a conclusion question pick an answer that …

Answer 36

Can be proven beyond reasonable doubt

Question 37

The less controversial or extreme the conclusion…

Answer 37

The more likely it is proven by the evidence

Question 38

Watch for extreme language with conclusion questions like…

Answer 38

Certain
Always
Every
Everyone 
Never 
No 
Impossible