SAT Logical Reasoning & Argument Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author writes: 'Since the new policy was introduced, crime fell. Therefore the policy caused the drop.' What flaw does this contain?
- Confusing correlation with causation (Correct answer)
- Appealing to authority
- Using a circular definition
- Attacking the speaker
Correct answer: Confusing correlation with causation
Assuming one event caused another simply because it preceded it is a correlation-causation flaw.
Question 2: Which choice best identifies the unstated assumption in: 'He must be wealthy because he drives an expensive car'?
- Expensive cars are always stolen
- Only wealthy people drive expensive cars (Correct answer)
- Wealth is measured by income
- Cars indicate personality
Correct answer: Only wealthy people drive expensive cars
The argument depends on the assumption that owning an expensive car implies wealth.
Question 3: A passage claims a study proves coffee improves memory, but the study had only five participants. Which response most weakens the claim?
- Coffee tastes bitter to some people
- The sample is too small to generalize (Correct answer)
- Memory is hard to define
- Other drinks also contain caffeine
Correct answer: The sample is too small to generalize
A tiny sample undermines the reliability of broad conclusions.
Question 4: Which statement is a counterexample to the claim 'All birds can fly'?
- Eagles soar at high altitudes
- Penguins are birds that cannot fly (Correct answer)
- Sparrows build nests
- Bats fly but are mammals
Correct answer: Penguins are birds that cannot fly
A flightless bird like a penguin directly disproves the universal claim.
Question 5: An argument concludes a town should ban skateboards because 'skateboards are dangerous.' What additional premise is most needed?
- Skateboards are popular with teens
- Dangerous activities should be banned (Correct answer)
- Bikes are also dangerous
- Skateboarding is a sport
Correct answer: Dangerous activities should be banned
The conclusion only follows if dangerous things ought to be banned.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a circular argument?
- The law is just because it is the law (Correct answer)
- Rain fell, so the ground is wet
- She studied, so she passed
- Prices rose due to demand
Correct answer: The law is just because it is the law
A circular argument uses its conclusion as its own justification.
Question 7: A writer dismisses a scientist's climate data by noting the scientist once failed a class. This is which fallacy?
- Straw man
- Ad hominem (Correct answer)
- False dilemma
- Slippery slope
Correct answer: Ad hominem
Attacking the person rather than the evidence is an ad hominem fallacy.
SAT Logical Reasoning & Argument Analysis 2
An author writes: 'Since the new policy was introduced, crime fell.
Therefore the policy caused the drop.' What flaw does this contain?