STAT Content and Preparation 4

Question 1

A student reads a STAT practice question that says: 'Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the argument?' What type of question is this?

Accepted Answer

A weakening/undermining question

Answer

Weakening questions ask you to identify information that, if true, would damage or reduce the strength of the argument's reasoning.

Question 2

In the context of STAT preparation, what is a 'red herring' answer choice?

Accepted Answer

An answer that seems relevant to the topic but does not actually address the question asked

Answer

Red herring choices relate to the topic surface-level but fail to address what the question specifically asks, luring inattentive test-takers.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the best approach when you encounter an extremely difficult STAT question during the exam?

Accepted Answer

Skip it, continue, and return if time allows

Answer

Skipping difficult questions and returning later preserves time for questions you can answer correctly, maximizing overall score.

Question 4

A STAT writing prompt asks you to discuss 'both sides of the issue.' Which response structure would earn the highest marks?

Accepted Answer

Briefly mention both sides and then develop a reasoned position using evidence and logic

Answer

High-scoring responses acknowledge complexity by presenting both perspectives and then articulating a well-supported reasoned stance.

Question 5

What is the significance of 'scope' in evaluating answer choices on the STAT Critical Thinking section?

Accepted Answer

An answer that is too broad or too narrow may not correctly address what the argument requires

Answer

Answer choices that overclaim (too broad) or underclaim (too narrow) relative to the argument's actual scope are typically incorrect, even if they seem plausible.

STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Test Practice Test

STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Test Practice Test

STAT Content and Preparation 4