Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Argument Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Argument: 'If we allow students to retake exams, they will never work hard the first time.' What type of reasoning flaw is this?
- Slippery slope — assuming one action will inevitably lead to an extreme negative outcome (Correct answer)
- False dichotomy — presenting only two extremes
- Ad hominem — attacking students personally
- Circular reasoning
Correct answer: Slippery slope — assuming one action will inevitably lead to an extreme negative outcome
The argument assumes that allowing retakes will inevitably cause students to underperform initially, without showing why this consequence must follow. This is a slippery slope.
Question 2: Argument: 'You're either with us or against us on this issue.' What fallacy does this commit?
- False dichotomy — presenting only two options when more exist (Correct answer)
- Ad hominem
- Straw man
- Appeal to emotion
Correct answer: False dichotomy — presenting only two options when more exist
The argument presents only two positions — for or against — when in reality a spectrum of views exists. This is the false dichotomy (black-and-white thinking) fallacy.
Question 3: Argument: 'Dr Smith says this treatment is effective, so it must be.' What might weaken this argument?
- Dr Smith has financial interests in the treatment's success (Correct answer)
- Dr Smith is a qualified physician
- The treatment has been through clinical trials
- Many patients have used the treatment
Correct answer: Dr Smith has financial interests in the treatment's success
If Dr Smith profits from endorsing the treatment, her expertise does not make her objective. A conflict of interest undermines the reliability of the recommendation.
Question 4: Argument: 'Crime rates fell after the prison population increased. Therefore, imprisoning more people reduces crime.' What BEST challenges this?
- Crime rates were already falling before the prison population increased (Correct answer)
- Prisons are expensive to run
- Not all crimes lead to imprisonment
- Crime statistics are difficult to measure accurately
Correct answer: Crime rates were already falling before the prison population increased
If crime was already declining before prison populations rose, the increase in prisoners may not have caused the fall. Pre-existing trends undermine the causal claim.
Question 5: Argument: 'Since introducing the loyalty card, our sales have risen. The loyalty card is clearly responsible.' What type of alternative explanation could undermine this?
- A competitor closed during the same period, driving customers to this store (Correct answer)
- Loyalty cards are popular
- The data covers three months
- The increase was 15%
Correct answer: A competitor closed during the same period, driving customers to this store
If a competitor closed, customers may have transferred regardless of the loyalty card. This alternative explanation removes the need to credit the card.
Question 6: Argument: 'Nobody has proven that this supplement is harmful. Therefore it is safe to take.' What flaw does this contain?
- Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence — lack of proof of harm is not proof of safety (Correct answer)
- Supplements are regulated
- Scientific studies take a long time
- The burden of proof lies with the manufacturer
Correct answer: Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence — lack of proof of harm is not proof of safety
The argument assumes that because something hasn't been proven harmful, it must be safe. But lack of evidence of harm is not the same as evidence of safety.
Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Argument Analysis 2
Argument: 'If we allow students to retake exams, they will never work hard the first time.' What type of reasoning flaw is this?