BCAT Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of identifying implicit assumptions in a BCAT argument?

Accepted Answer

To assess whether the argument would hold if the assumption were false

Answer

To rewrite the argument in clearer language

Answer

To identify the conclusion more quickly

Answer

To find emotional appeals in the text

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'inductive reasoning'?

Accepted Answer

Drawing probable general conclusions from specific observations

Answer

Guaranteeing a conclusion from true premises

Answer

Arguing from authority

Answer

Defining terms before arguing

Question 3

A BCAT passage argues: 'Most convicted felons have tattoos. Therefore, having tattoos causes crime.' What flaw is present?

Accepted Answer

Correlation is mistaken for causation

Answer

The sample size is too small

Answer

The argument uses circular reasoning

Answer

The argument commits a false dichotomy

Question 4

When a BCAT question asks you to identify the 'main conclusion,' you should look for:

Accepted Answer

The statement that all other statements are designed to support

Answer

The first sentence of the passage

Answer

The most surprising claim in the passage

Answer

The longest and most detailed sentence

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an appeal to authority fallacy?

Accepted Answer

We should ban this drug because a famous actor says it is dangerous

Answer

The study showed a 40% reduction in crime rates

Answer

The defendant had no motive

Answer

The witness was present at the scene

Question 6

In BCAT critical thinking, 'counter-argument' best refers to:

Accepted Answer

A reason or evidence that opposes the main conclusion

Answer

Additional support for the main conclusion

Answer

A restatement of the premise

Answer

A definition of a key term