Verbal Reasoning Flashcards

Read: 'All virtuous people are happy; Socrates is virtuous; therefore, Socrates is happy.' This argument is an example of:

Answer: A categorical syllogism

A categorical syllogism draws a conclusion from two premises linking categories (all virtuous → happy; Socrates → virtuous).

Which definition best matches 'equivocate'?

Answer: To use ambiguous language to avoid committing to a position

'Equivocate' means to use vague or ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

A passage describes a character who is 'quixotic in his ambitions.' What does 'quixotic' mean?

Answer: Idealistic and impractical, pursuing romantic ideals

'Quixotic' derives from Don Quixote and describes unrealistically idealistic pursuits that ignore practical realities.

Which sentence best demonstrates parallel structure?

Answer: She likes reading, writing poetry, and studying history.

Parallel structure requires matching grammatical forms; 'reading, writing, studying' all use the gerund (-ing) form consistently.

In a CLT reading passage, the author writes: 'The city was a monument to ambition unchecked by wisdom.' The phrase 'unchecked by wisdom' functions as:

Answer: A participial phrase modifying 'ambition'

The past participial phrase 'unchecked by wisdom' modifies the noun 'ambition,' describing the quality of that ambition.

Which of the following is the best example of an 'ad hominem' fallacy?

Answer: 'We should not trust Senator Smith's economic plan — after all, he was once bankrupt.'

Ad hominem attacks the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

The word 'liminal' most accurately describes:

Answer: A threshold or transitional state between two conditions

'Liminal' (from Latin 'limen,' threshold) refers to an in-between state — neither fully one thing nor another.