Student View | Instructor View | Information Center View | Home
Critical Thinking
Student View

Chapter Outline
Multiple Choice Quiz
True or False
Glossary
Web Links
PowerPoint Tutorials

Feedback
Help Center



Analyzing Arguments

Multiple Choice Quiz

Select the correct answer to the following multiple-choice questions by circling the appropriate letter.



Identify whether the premises in the following arguments provide linked support (L) or independent support (I).



1

The sign reads, "Absolutely no littering." Your bubblegum wrapper is litter. So, if you leave that wrapper on the ground, you're breaking the law.
A)linked support
B)independent support
2

Salesman to customer: The Supertron Mega V12 is the computer for you. Its the fastest and most complete computer on the market. It comes with a two-year warranty. And, its loaded with all of the most recent software.
A)linked support
B)independent support
3

We are certain that the Earth is roughly spherical. First, it is apparent during a lunar eclipse that the shadow cast on the moon is curved. Second, one can fly around the earth in a straight line in any direction and end up in the same place. Finally, we have some nifty photographs from both astronauts and satellites.
A)linked support
B)independent support
4

It is clear that the Earth is spherical from the fact that spheres cast curved shadows and the earth casts a curved shadow on the moon during a lunar eclipse.
A)linked support
B)independent support
5

An appeal to emotion is not really an argument at all. Strictly speaking, then, an appeal to emotion isn't a fallacy, since every fallacy is an argument.
A)linked support
B)independent support

In each of the following enthymemes, identify the option that best represents the missing premise or conclusion.



6

Unless either Shaq or Kobe suffer a serious injury, the Lakers will likely win the playoffs. But both Kobe and Shaq are in good health and it is very unlikely that either will be injured before the season is over.
A)Some team other than the Lakers will win the playoffs.
B)Kobe and Shaq won't be injured this season.
C)It is probable that the Lakers will win the playoffs.
D)If Shaq is injured, the Lakers won't win the playoffs.
7

It's really simple actually. If the people aren't willing to work hard to become informed about foreign affairs, then they will be unable to hold their representatives in government accountable for any deeds they commit abroad. For this reason, it appears that the people will remain ignorant of foreign affairs and thereby unable to hold their representatives in government accountable.
A)The people aren't willing to work hard to become informed about foreign affairs.
B)Representatives in government discourage the people from becoming informed.
C)The media are not adequately informing citizens on foreign affairs.
D)The people do not have access to information on foreign affairs.
8

It is impossible for there to be a location in the brain where an immaterial soul connects with the body. This is why the common belief that human nature is composed of a soul and a body must be mistaken.
A)The human soul is merely a Judeo-Christian myth.
B)Human beings are composed only of a body.
C)If human nature is made up of both an immaterial soul and a body, then it must be possible that there is some location in the brain where the soul contacts the body. If human nature is made up of both an immaterial soul and a body, then it must be possible that there is some location in the brain where the soul contacts the body.
D)Human beings are composed only of a soul.
9

Anyone who is in politics for long knows that love doesn't make the world go round, greed does. James must be a newcomer to politics.
A)James believes that greed makes the world go round
B)James is young so he couldn't have been in politics long.
C)James is generally idealistic.
D)James believes that love, not greed, makes the world go round.
10

Anyone who intentionally takes the life of another, with the exception of self-defense and acts of war, has committed murder. Hence, active euthanasia is murder.
A)Active euthanasia is wrong.
B)Active euthanasia involves the intentional taking of a person's life.
C)Active euthanasia is a form of self-defense
D)Active euthanasia is not murder during times of war.