SAT Logical Reasoning & Argument Analysis 3

Question 1

Which choice best describes a 'straw man' argument?

Accepted Answer

Misrepresenting an opponent's view to refute it easily

Answer

A straw man distorts the original position to make it easier to attack.

Question 2

'Either we cut the budget or the company fails.' What reasoning error is this?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

Presenting only two choices when more exist is a false dilemma.

Question 3

An essay argues homework should be reduced and supports it with a personal anecdote about one stressed student. The main weakness is that the evidence is:

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal and not representative

Answer

A single anecdote cannot reliably support a broad conclusion.

Question 4

Which choice most strengthens the argument 'The new fertilizer increases crop yield'?

Accepted Answer

A large controlled trial showed higher yields with it

Answer

A controlled trial provides direct evidence supporting the causal claim.

Question 5

In the sentence 'Most successful people wake early, so waking early causes success,' the flaw is that it ignores:

Accepted Answer

Possible reverse or alternative causes

Answer

It overlooks other explanations or that success might cause early waking.

SAT Practice Test

SAT Practice Test

SAT Logical Reasoning & Argument Analysis 3