logical reasoning

Question 1

the facts the author uses to support the conclusion

Answer 1

premises

Question 2

the author’s main point – an opinion, not a fact

Answer 2

conclusion

Question 3

the fact pattern, the argument passage

Answer 3

squib

Question 4

quantity term meaning: not ever

Answer 4

never

Question 5

quantity term meaning: not a single one

Answer 5

none

Question 6

quantity term meaning: more than one

Answer 6

a few

Question 7

quantity term meaning: less than half, could be none

Answer 7

few

Question 8

quantity term meaning: at least one, could be all

Answer 8

many, some

Question 9

quantity term meaning: more than half

Answer 9

most

Question 10

quantity term meaning: every since one, every member of the group

Answer 10

all, every, each

Question 11

inference that indicates the quantity of an item

Answer 11

Quantity Statement

Question 12

this flaw misinterprets premise information:
- assuming that the absence of any evidence for something proves that it does not exist
- a lack of differentiation between the premise and conclusion
- a misinterpretation of or shift in the meaning of a term

EX: A recent study showed that four out of five children prefer fruits to vegetables. Since people should eat five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, parents should give their children four servings of fruit and one serving of vegetables.

Answer 12

Evidentiary

Question 13

this flaw draws a faulty conclusion about the verity and reliability of a person based on his or her personal characteristics.
1. Assuming that someone is right due to his or her character and experience
2. Assuming that someone is wrong due to his or her character or experience
EX: 1. The Miss Universe pageant finalist would be the best spokesperson for your product, she she wears makeup every day.
2. We cannot allow Mr. Bebout to chair the fundraiser. Twenty years ago, he went bankrupt.

Answer 13

Personal

Question 14

this flaw draws a faulty conclusion from statistics. It may:
- ignore other relevant factors
- misinterpret the data
- draw an unwarranted conclusion

EX: The exit poll showed that 76% of the people said they voted for the incumbent. She is sure to be re-elected.

Answer 14

Statistical

Question 15

this flaw is a faulty comparison of things that may or may not actually be similar

EX: Lat year, out local Boy Scout troop’s fundraiser raised enough money for the troop to travel to Yellowstone National Park. This year they should be able to raise enough money for a trip to Glacier National Park.

Answer 15

Analogy

Question 16

this flaw assumes that since two events occurred, the first must have caused the second
this flaw assumes no other cause for the second event and denies the possibility of coincidence

EX: Viktor ate cheese on his sandwich at lunch and became ill. Viktor must be allergic to cheese.

Answer 16

Correlation vs. Causation

Question 17

• point at issue
• disagree
• responds, response
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 17

Controversy

Question 18

• parallel
• similar
• resembles
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 18

Analogous Reasoning

Question 19

• flaw, error
• role, function
• reasoning, strategy, method
• by, proceeds by
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 19

Reasoning Strategy

Question 20

• weaken
• cast doubt on, call into question
• challenge, undermine, counter
• criticism
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 20

Weaken

Question 21

• strengthen, support, justify
• assumption, presupposes
• principle
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 21

Strengthen

Question 22

• resolve
• explain, explanation
• reconcile
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 22

Resolve

Question 23

• conclusion, concludes, concluded
• main point
• deduced, deduction
• inference, inferred
• must be true
  these keywords help identify…

Answer 23

Conclusion