BCAT Argument Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the structure of an argument that 'parallel reasoning' tests in the BCAT?
- Both arguments share the same logical form, regardless of their content (Correct answer)
- Both arguments reach the same conclusion
- Both arguments use the same evidence
- Both arguments are about legal topics
Correct answer: Both arguments share the same logical form, regardless of their content
Parallel reasoning questions test whether two arguments follow the same logical structure, not whether they share content or conclusions.
Question 2: An argument states: 'If the witness is lying, the defendant is guilty. The defendant is not guilty. Therefore, the witness is not lying.' This is an example of:
- Modus tollens — a valid form of deductive argument (Correct answer)
- Modus ponens
- An invalid argument
- A circular argument
Correct answer: Modus tollens — a valid form of deductive argument
Modus tollens denies the consequent: If P then Q; not Q; therefore not P — a valid deductive form.
Question 3: A passage argues: 'The new sentencing guidelines are fair because the Ministry of Justice says so.' This relies on:
- An appeal to authority (Correct answer)
- Evidence-based reasoning
- A false dichotomy
- Inductive generalization
Correct answer: An appeal to authority
The argument relies solely on the Ministry's authority rather than providing independent evidence of fairness.
Question 4: To 'evaluate' an argument in the BCAT context means to:
- Assess its strengths, weaknesses, and the quality of its reasoning (Correct answer)
- Summarise it in your own words
- Identify its main conclusion only
- Rewrite it more clearly
Correct answer: Assess its strengths, weaknesses, and the quality of its reasoning
Evaluation requires critical examination of whether the reasoning is sound and well-supported.
Question 5: Which of the following statements best describes a 'sufficient condition'?
- If A is sufficient for B, then whenever A occurs, B must follow (Correct answer)
- If A is sufficient for B, then B must occur before A
- A sufficient condition guarantees A will occur
- A sufficient condition is the only way B can occur
Correct answer: If A is sufficient for B, then whenever A occurs, B must follow
A sufficient condition guarantees the outcome: the presence of A is enough to ensure B.
Question 6: The argument: 'We must introduce drug testing in law firms or the profession will be discredited.' The implicit assumption is:
- Drug use in law firms currently exists and poses a reputational risk (Correct answer)
- Drug testing is always effective at deterring use
- All lawyers are tested in other professions
- The legal profession is already discredited
Correct answer: Drug use in law firms currently exists and poses a reputational risk
For the argument to work, there must be an existing drug problem significant enough to threaten the profession's reputation.
BCAT Argument Analysis 2
Which of the following best describes the structure of an argument that 'parallel reasoning' tests in the BCAT?