Verbal: Boldface and Method of Reasoning Flashcards

A passage: 'The plan will cut costs (boldface 1). Yet rivals tried it and went bankrupt (boldface 2). So the plan is risky.' Boldface 2 is:

Answer: Evidence against adopting the plan

The rivals' bankruptcy is evidence supporting the conclusion that the plan is risky.

An author argues a critic's position is self-contradictory. This method of reasoning is:

Answer: Exposing an internal inconsistency

Showing a position contradicts itself attacks it by internal inconsistency.

In a boldface question, boldface 1 is the claim the author endorses and boldface 2 is the evidence for it. Their roles are:

Answer: Boldface 1 conclusion, boldface 2 premise

The endorsed claim is the conclusion and the support offered for it is the premise.

An argument proceeds by ruling out all alternative explanations until one remains. This method is:

Answer: Process of elimination

Eliminating competing explanations to leave one standing is process of elimination.

A boldface portion states a goal the argument aims to achieve, with the rest recommending how. The goal statement functions as:

Answer: The objective the recommendation serves

A stated aim that the recommendation is designed to fulfill is the objective.

An author supports a claim by noting that experts in the field agree with it. This method is:

Answer: Appeal to authority

Citing expert consensus as support is an appeal to authority.

When two boldface statements both support the conclusion, the best description is:

Answer: Both function as premises

Two statements that each support the same conclusion are both premises.