Argument Analysis Flashcards
6 cards from real Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Argument Analysis flashcards as text
Argument: 'My neighbour smoked all his life and lived to 95. So smoking cannot be that bad for you.' What flaw does this contain?
Answer: Hasty generalisation — drawing a broad conclusion from a single case
One example — however striking — cannot overturn large-scale statistical evidence. Drawing a general conclusion from a single case is a hasty generalisation.
Which of the following STRENGTHENS the argument that 'working from home increases productivity'?
Answer: A study of 10,000 employees showed those working from home completed 20% more tasks per day on average
A large-scale study showing a direct productivity increase provides direct empirical support for the claim. This strengthens the argument more than anecdotal or indirect evidence.
Argument: 'Advertising junk food to children should be banned because children cannot critically evaluate advertising.' Which statement WEAKENS this argument?
Answer: Parents can explain advertising to children and limit their exposure
If parents can mediate children's exposure to and understanding of advertising, a ban may not be necessary. This offers an alternative solution that weakens the case for banning.
A politician argues: 'Cutting taxes will increase government revenue because people will spend more, generating more VAT income.' What BEST describes this argument?
Answer: It is a logical argument that could be valid but rests on an uncertain economic assumption
The argument has a logical structure (tax cuts → more spending → more VAT) but the assumption that this effect is large enough to offset lost tax revenue is uncertain and contested.
Argument: 'Schools that spend more per pupil achieve better exam results. Therefore more school funding improves results.' Which BEST challenges this?
Answer: Schools in wealthier areas both receive more funding and have more advantaged pupils — wealth is the real driver
Wealthier areas may have better-funded schools AND more academically advantaged pupils. The apparent link between funding and results may be driven by socioeconomic factors, not spending.
Argument: 'We've always done it this way, so there's no reason to change.' What fallacy does this commit?
Answer: Appeal to tradition — assuming past practice is inherently correct
The argument assumes that because something has always been done a certain way, it should continue. This ignores the possibility that the method is outdated or that better alternatives exist.