Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Argument Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Argument: 'My neighbour smoked all his life and lived to 95. So smoking cannot be that bad for you.' What flaw does this contain?
- Hasty generalisation — drawing a broad conclusion from a single case (Correct answer)
- Appeal to authority
- False dichotomy
- Straw man argument
Correct answer: Hasty generalisation — drawing a broad conclusion from a single case
One example — however striking — cannot overturn large-scale statistical evidence. Drawing a general conclusion from a single case is a hasty generalisation.
Question 2: Which of the following STRENGTHENS the argument that 'working from home increases productivity'?
- A study of 10,000 employees showed those working from home completed 20% more tasks per day on average (Correct answer)
- Many companies now allow home working
- Some employees prefer working from home
- Commuting time is reduced when working from home
Correct answer: A study of 10,000 employees showed those working from home completed 20% more tasks per day on average
A large-scale study showing a direct productivity increase provides direct empirical support for the claim. This strengthens the argument more than anecdotal or indirect evidence.
Question 3: Argument: 'Advertising junk food to children should be banned because children cannot critically evaluate advertising.' Which statement WEAKENS this argument?
- Parents can explain advertising to children and limit their exposure (Correct answer)
- Junk food advertising is widespread
- Children are influenced by many factors in addition to advertising
- Some junk food is consumed by adults
Correct answer: Parents can explain advertising to children and limit their exposure
If parents can mediate children's exposure to and understanding of advertising, a ban may not be necessary. This offers an alternative solution that weakens the case for banning.
Question 4: A politician argues: 'Cutting taxes will increase government revenue because people will spend more, generating more VAT income.' What BEST describes this argument?
- It is a logical argument that could be valid but rests on an uncertain economic assumption (Correct answer)
- It is a logical fallacy
- It is completely illogical
- It is supported by universal economic evidence
Correct answer: It is a logical argument that could be valid but rests on an uncertain economic assumption
The argument has a logical structure (tax cuts → more spending → more VAT) but the assumption that this effect is large enough to offset lost tax revenue is uncertain and contested.
Question 5: Argument: 'Schools that spend more per pupil achieve better exam results. Therefore more school funding improves results.' Which BEST challenges this?
- Schools in wealthier areas both receive more funding and have more advantaged pupils — wealth is the real driver (Correct answer)
- More funding is always beneficial
- Exam results vary between schools
- Funding formulas are complex
Correct answer: Schools in wealthier areas both receive more funding and have more advantaged pupils — wealth is the real driver
Wealthier areas may have better-funded schools AND more academically advantaged pupils. The apparent link between funding and results may be driven by socioeconomic factors, not spending.
Question 6: Argument: 'We've always done it this way, so there's no reason to change.' What fallacy does this commit?
- Appeal to tradition — assuming past practice is inherently correct (Correct answer)
- Ad hominem
- False dichotomy
- Circular reasoning
Correct answer: Appeal to tradition — assuming past practice is inherently correct
The argument assumes that because something has always been done a certain way, it should continue. This ignores the possibility that the method is outdated or that better alternatives exist.
Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Argument Analysis 3
Argument: 'My neighbour smoked all his life and lived to 95.
So smoking cannot be that bad for you.' What flaw does this contain?