ISAT - International Student Admissions Argument Evaluation and Flaws Questions and Answers

Question 1

A political analyst states: 'The incumbent, Governor Smith, is sure to win re-election.
A recent poll of 500 likely voters in the state's largest city showed that 65% of respondents support her.' Which of the following is the most significant flaw in the analyst's argument?

Accepted Answer

The conclusion is based on a sample that may not be representative of the entire state's electorate.

Answer

The poll only included likely voters, not all registered voters.

Answer

The poll size of 500 respondents is too small to draw any meaningful conclusions.

Answer

The analyst fails to consider that Governor Smith's opponent might increase their campaigning efforts before the election.

Question 2

Argument: 'Every time I wear my lucky green shirt to a football game, our team wins. Therefore, my green shirt is the reason our team wins.' This argument is flawed because it confuses...

Accepted Answer

correlation with causation.

Answer

a necessary condition with a sufficient condition.

Answer

a cause with an effect.

Answer

a part with the whole.

Question 3

A study found that employees who take a 30-minute walk during their lunch break report higher levels of job satisfaction than those who eat at their desks. The study concluded that daily walks are an effective way to boost employee morale. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Employees who eat at their desks are often those with heavier workloads and tighter deadlines.

Answer

The company that funded the study manufactures fitness trackers.

Answer

The study was conducted during the summer months when the weather was pleasant.

Answer

Job satisfaction levels were measured using a self-reported survey, which can be subjective.

Question 4

A company spokesperson said: 'Our new cereal, 'Vita-Oats,' is incredibly healthy because it contains essential vitamins and minerals.' Which of the following is an unstated assumption in this argument?

Accepted Answer

The cereal does not also contain high levels of sugar and processed ingredients.

Answer

Vita-Oats cereal tastes better than other cereals on the market.

Answer

All cereals that contain vitamins and minerals are healthy.

Answer

The spokesperson is a certified nutritionist.

Question 5

A scientist argues: 'We have not found any definitive proof of extraterrestrial life, despite decades of searching the cosmos. Therefore, it is almost certain that extraterrestrial life does not exist.' The reasoning in this argument is flawed because it...

Accepted Answer

treats a lack of evidence for a claim as proof that the claim is false.

Answer

appeals to the authority of scientists without providing evidence.

Answer

attacks the character of those who believe in extraterrestrial life.

Answer

relies on an emotionally charged claim rather than on logic.

Question 6

Statement: 'Either we must increase funding for the public library, or we will condemn our community to a future of ignorance.' Which of the following best describes the flaw in this statement?

Accepted Answer

It presents a false dilemma by suggesting there are only two possible options.

Answer

It attacks the opponents of library funding rather than their arguments.

Answer

It assumes that increased funding will automatically lead to better library services.

Answer

It makes a generalization based on a single case.

A political analyst states: 'The incumbent, Governor Smith, is sure to win re-election.A recent poll of 500 likely voters in the state's largest city showed that 65% of respondents support her.' Which of the following is the most significant flaw in the analyst's argument?

A political analyst states: 'The incumbent, Governor Smith, is sure to win re-election.
A recent poll of 500 likely voters in the state's largest city showed that 65% of respondents support her.' Which of the following is the most significant flaw in the analyst's argument?