HAST Logical Reasoning 2

Question 1

Identify the assumption: 'We should increase funding for public libraries because reading improves literacy.'

Accepted Answer

Public libraries promote reading

Answer

The argument assumes that public libraries promote reading, connecting the funding to the literacy benefit.

Question 2

Three friends—Ava, Ben, and Cara—each prefer a different sport: soccer, tennis, or swimming. Ava does not swim. Ben does not play soccer. Cara plays tennis. What sport does Ava prefer?

Accepted Answer

Soccer

Answer

Cara takes tennis, Ava cannot swim, so Ava must play soccer; this leaves swimming for Ben.

Question 3

All squares are rectangles. Some rectangles are not squares. Which statement is logically consistent?

Accepted Answer

There exist rectangles that are not squares

Answer

The premise directly states that some rectangles are not squares, making this statement consistent.

Question 4

A train leaves Station A every 15 minutes. Another leaves Station B every 20 minutes. If both leave at 8:00 AM, when do they next leave at the same time?

Accepted Answer

9:00 AM

Answer

The LCM of 15 and 20 is 60 minutes, so both trains next coincide at 9:00 AM.

Question 5

Which argument contains a logical flaw? A) All birds have wings; penguins are birds; so penguins have wings. B) Some fish swim; sharks are fish; so sharks swim. C) No plants think; roses are plants; so roses think. D) All metals conduct electricity; copper is a metal; so copper conducts electricity.

Accepted Answer

Argument C

Answer

Argument C concludes 'roses think' from 'no plants think,' which is the opposite of what the premise supports — a clear logical flaw.

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test

HAST Logical Reasoning 2