NBT Critical Thinking & Argument Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A politician states: "You're either with us or against us." Which fallacy does this statement represent?
- Slippery slope
- Bandwagon fallacy
- False dilemma (Correct answer)
- Straw man
Correct answer: False dilemma
A false dilemma (or false dichotomy) presents only two options when more exist. This statement ignores the possibility of neutral, conditional, or contextual positions.
Question 2: An advertisement claims: "Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste." What critical question should be asked about this statistic?
- Which brand of toothpaste do they recommend?
- What was the sample size, methodology, and who funded the study? (Correct answer)
- Are there any dentists who do not brush their teeth?
- What flavour is the toothpaste?
Correct answer: What was the sample size, methodology, and who funded the study?
When evaluating statistics, key questions include: How large was the sample? How was it selected? Who funded the research, and could there be bias? A statistic without this context is unreliable.
Question 3: A student argues: "We should increase the arts budget because art is important." What is the main weakness of this argument?
- Arts are not important
- The conclusion is stated but not supported with reasons or evidence (Correct answer)
- The student should argue for science instead
- The argument is too long
Correct answer: The conclusion is stated but not supported with reasons or evidence
The argument is circular (art is important, so we should fund art) and lacks supporting evidence or reasoning explaining WHY art is important and HOW increased funding would address specific needs.
Question 4: A text presents two sides of an issue without taking a position. What type of writing is this?
- Persuasive writing
- Narrative writing
- Balanced/analytical writing (Correct answer)
- Expository writing
Correct answer: Balanced/analytical writing
Balanced or analytical writing presents multiple perspectives without advocating for one. This is typical in academic discussions, essays that synthesise viewpoints, or journalism that reports objectively.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of "begging the question" (circular reasoning)?
- The policy failed because it was poorly funded.
- We know the policy is right because it is the correct policy. (Correct answer)
- The policy failed because of opposition from the media.
- Studies show the policy had limited impact in its first year.
Correct answer: We know the policy is right because it is the correct policy.
Circular reasoning restates the conclusion as the premise without providing independent support. "It is right because it is correct" is the premise and conclusion saying the same thing in different words.
Question 6: When evaluating an argument, which of the following would indicate a STRONG argument?
- It appeals exclusively to emotions
- It dismisses all opposing views
- It provides relevant evidence and acknowledges limitations (Correct answer)
- It was written by a famous person
Correct answer: It provides relevant evidence and acknowledges limitations
A strong argument is one that is well-evidenced, logically structured, acknowledges counterarguments or limitations, and draws conclusions proportionate to the evidence presented.
NBT Critical Thinking & Argument Evaluation 3
A politician states: "You're either with us or against us." Which fallacy does this statement represent?