ISAT Argument Evaluation and Flaws 3

Question 1

A company claims its product is best because it has won 'awards' but does not specify which awards. What logical problem does this create?

Accepted Answer

The claim is vague and unverifiable, weakening the argument

Answer

Unspecified or unverifiable evidence cannot be assessed and therefore does not support the conclusion.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best description of an 'argument from ignorance' (ad ignorantiam)?

Accepted Answer

Concluding something is true because it has not been proven false

Answer

Ad ignorantiam treats the absence of disproof as proof, which is a logical fallacy.

Question 3

Two students debate homework. Student A says, 'Homework helps consolidate learning.' Student B replies, 'That's what teachers say because they enjoy making students miserable.' Which flaw does Student B commit?

Accepted Answer

Ad hominem (attacking motive rather than the argument)

Answer

Dismissing an argument by attributing bad motives to the arguer rather than addressing the argument itself is an ad hominem.

Question 4

An editorial argues: 'Studies show students who eat breakfast score higher on tests; therefore, schools should provide free breakfast.' Which additional piece of information would most strengthen this argument?

Accepted Answer

The association holds even after controlling for socioeconomic status

Answer

Controlling for confounders like socioeconomic status strengthens the causal link between breakfast and test scores.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of equivocation?

Accepted Answer

Using the word 'right' to mean both 'morally correct' and 'legal entitlement' in the same argument

Answer

Equivocation exploits ambiguous terms by shifting their meaning mid-argument.

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT Argument Evaluation and Flaws 3