DLPT Following Complex Arguments 2

Question 1

In a DLPT listening passage, a speaker argues that economic sanctions are counterproductive because they 'unite populations against external pressure rather than against their own governments.' What type of argumentative claim is this?

Accepted Answer

A causal claim about the psychological effect of sanctions

Answer

The speaker is making a causal claim: sanctions cause populations to rally around their government rather than oppose it.

Question 2

A DLPT passage presents a general's argument: 'We should not deploy ground troops because air power alone has achieved our strategic objectives in three of the last four comparable conflicts.' Which logical weakness is most evident?

Accepted Answer

The argument ignores the fourth conflict where air power failed

Answer

The general selectively cites three successes while ignoring the one failure, a form of cherry-picking evidence.

Question 3

In a complex diplomatic briefing, a negotiator states: 'If we concede on trade tariffs, our allies will question our resolve; if we don't concede, talks will collapse.' A listener who recognizes this as a false dilemma would understand that:

Accepted Answer

Other negotiating options beyond the two presented may exist

Answer

A false dilemma artificially limits options to two, when in reality other negotiating positions or compromises may be available.

Question 4

A DLPT passage features a speaker who moves from discussing a specific border incident to concluding that the opposing nation's entire foreign policy is aggressive. This reasoning pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Hasty generalization from a single event

Answer

Drawing a broad conclusion about an entire foreign policy from one specific incident is a hasty generalization.

Question 5

During a DLPT audio segment, a speaker says: 'The minister claims the economic plan will reduce unemployment, but she personally profits from the industries that would benefit.' What should a skilled listener recognize about this response?

Accepted Answer

It is an ad hominem attack that does not address the plan's merits

Answer

Attacking the minister's personal financial interest rather than the argument's logic is an ad hominem fallacy.

DLPT - Defense Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

DLPT - Defense Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

DLPT Following Complex Arguments 2