BCA Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

Which argument structure is deductively valid?

Accepted Answer

If P then Q; P is true; therefore Q is true

Answer

Most birds fly; penguins are birds; therefore penguins fly

Answer

X is popular; therefore X must be correct

Answer

A occurred before B; therefore A caused B

Question 2

What distinguishes an inference from an observation?

Accepted Answer

An observation is directly perceived; an inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence

Answer

An inference is directly seen; an observation is guessed

Answer

Inferences are always correct; observations can be mistaken

Answer

Observations require instruments; inferences do not

Question 3

Which scenario demonstrates confirmation bias?

Accepted Answer

A student only reads articles that support his pre-existing opinion on a topic

Answer

A scientist changes her hypothesis after new data contradicts it

Answer

A jury considers all evidence before reaching a verdict

Answer

A doctor orders additional tests before diagnosing a patient

Question 4

An argument is considered sound when it is:

Accepted Answer

Valid and all its premises are true

Answer

Valid and has at least one true premise

Answer

Popular and well-supported by anecdotes

Answer

Persuasive and emotionally compelling

Question 5

Which rhetorical device appeals primarily to emotion rather than logic?

Accepted Answer

Telling a heartbreaking personal story to oppose a policy

Answer

Using a well-researched statistic

Answer

Citing a peer-reviewed study

Answer

Defining key terms clearly before arguing

Question 6

A classmate argues: 'We shouldn't listen to the principal's new rule because she was once late to school herself.' This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An ad hominem fallacy

Answer

A valid counterargument based on hypocrisy

Answer

A slippery slope argument

Answer

An appeal to tradition

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of a counterargument in a persuasive essay?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge opposing views and then refute them to strengthen the argument

Answer

To admit that the writer's position is wrong

Answer

To introduce a new topic unrelated to the thesis

Answer

To list all possible viewpoints without taking a side