GCAT Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 2

Question 1

Which hidden assumption is embedded in the argument: 'Students who study more get better grades, so we should require all students to study more hours'?

Accepted Answer

More studying always improves grades for all students equally

Answer

Grades are an important measure of learning

Answer

Students currently study too little

Answer

Schools have the authority to set mandatory study hours

Question 2

Four colleagues each prefer a different fruit: apple, banana, cherry, or date. Ana does not like banana. Ben likes cherry. Cara does not like apple or date. What fruit does Cara prefer?

Accepted Answer

Banana

Answer

Apple

Answer

Cherry

Answer

Date

Question 3

An argument is considered 'sound' when which condition is met?

Accepted Answer

It is valid and all its premises are actually true

Answer

It uses formal logical notation throughout

Answer

The conclusion is widely accepted by recognized experts

Answer

It contains no technical jargon or specialized terms

Question 4

A city's crime rate dropped after a famous artwork was installed in the town square. What additional information would MOST strengthen the claim that the artwork caused the crime reduction?

Accepted Answer

Other cities with similar artworks also experienced crime reductions

Answer

The artwork is valued at over one million dollars

Answer

The artist creating it is internationally recognized

Answer

The artwork depicts scenes of peace and community harmony

Question 5

Which reasoning pattern is used in: 'This new smartphone must be good because it is made by a well-known company'?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to authority rather than direct evidence

Answer

Inductive reasoning based on observations

Answer

Deductive reasoning from general rules

Answer

Analogical reasoning from a similar case

Question 6

If P implies Q, Q implies R, and P is true, what can be concluded?

Accepted Answer

Both Q and R are true

Answer

R implies P

Answer

P and Q are both false

Answer

R implies Q

Question 7

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of identifying a counterexample when evaluating a universal claim?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate that a universal claim does not always hold

Answer

To show that the argument is emotionally persuasive

Answer

To confirm that the argument's premises are factually true

Answer

To make the original argument more concise and clear