BMAT BMAT Problem Solving & Critical Thinking 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In BMAT Section 1, which reasoning skill involves identifying the main conclusion of an argument?
- Drawing an inference
- Summarizing the argument (Correct answer)
- Identifying assumptions
- Evaluating evidence strength
Correct answer: Summarizing the argument
Summarizing the argument focuses on identifying the central conclusion the argument is trying to prove.
Question 2: A BMAT passage argues: 'All doctors complete CPD. Dr. Smith completed CPD. Therefore, Dr. Smith is a doctor.' What logical flaw is present?
- Circular reasoning
- Affirming the consequent (Correct answer)
- False dilemma
- Ad hominem
Correct answer: Affirming the consequent
This is affirming the consequent: completing CPD is necessary but not sufficient to establish that someone is a doctor.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST strengthens the argument that 'regular exercise improves BMAT performance'?
- Many high-scoring students exercise regularly
- A study found no link between sleep and BMAT scores
- A randomized trial showed exercisers scored 10% higher on average (Correct answer)
- Exercise is known to improve overall health
Correct answer: A randomized trial showed exercisers scored 10% higher on average
A randomized trial provides controlled, direct evidence of a causal link between exercise and BMAT scores.
Question 4: A train travels 120 miles at 60 mph, then 80 miles at 40 mph. What is the total journey time?
- 3 hours
- 4 hours (Correct answer)
- 3.5 hours
- 2.5 hours
Correct answer: 4 hours
Time = Distance/Speed: 120/60 = 2 hours + 80/40 = 2 hours = 4 hours total.
Question 5: In BMAT critical thinking, an 'assumption' is best described as:
- A proven fact stated in the argument
- An unstated premise required for the conclusion to hold (Correct answer)
- A statement that weakens the argument
- The main conclusion of the argument
Correct answer: An unstated premise required for the conclusion to hold
An assumption is an unstated but necessary premise that the argument relies upon to reach its conclusion.
Question 6: Which word most clearly indicates a conclusion in a BMAT argument?
- Because
- Since
- Therefore (Correct answer)
- Although
Correct answer: Therefore
'Therefore' is a conclusion indicator, signaling that what follows is the conclusion drawn from the preceding premises.
BMAT BMAT Problem Solving & Critical Thinking 1
In BMAT Section 1, which reasoning skill involves identifying the main conclusion of an argument?