CLAST Logical Reasoning 3

Question 1

Which of the following is the contrapositive of 'If it is raining, then the ground is wet'?

Accepted Answer

If the ground is not wet, then it is not raining

Answer

The contrapositive of 'If P then Q' is 'If not Q then not P,' which is logically equivalent to the original statement.

Question 2

An argument that jumps from a few observed cases to a universal conclusion is guilty of:

Accepted Answer

Hasty generalization

Answer

Hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from an insufficient or unrepresentative sample of evidence.

Question 3

The 'straw man' fallacy occurs when someone:

Accepted Answer

Misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

Answer

A straw man distorts or exaggerates the opposing view, then attacks that distorted version rather than the actual argument.

Question 4

If 'Some students are athletes' is true, which statement CANNOT be true at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No students are athletes

Answer

If at least some students are athletes, it is impossible that no students are athletes — these statements are contradictory.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

All mammals breathe air; dolphins are mammals; therefore dolphins breathe air

Answer

Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific, logically guaranteed conclusion, as in the classic syllogism form.

CLAST - College Level Academic Skills Test Practice Test