TAP Critical Reading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the TAP, 'inductive reasoning' works by:
- Starting with a general rule and applying it specifically
- Drawing a general conclusion from specific observations (Correct answer)
- Accepting all premises without question
- Using only deductive logic
Correct answer: Drawing a general conclusion from specific observations
Inductive reasoning gathers specific instances and draws a broad conclusion from them.
Question 2: A TAP Critical Reading question asks about 'evidence quality.' Which type of evidence is typically strongest?
- Anecdotal evidence from one person
- Peer-reviewed research data (Correct answer)
- Hearsay from unnamed sources
- Personal opinions from experts
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research data
Peer-reviewed research provides empirical, verified data reviewed by other experts, making it strong evidence.
Question 3: On the TAP, which signal phrase indicates a conclusion is being drawn?
- For example
- In contrast
- Therefore (Correct answer)
- Meanwhile
Correct answer: Therefore
'Therefore' signals that the following statement is a conclusion drawn from prior evidence or reasoning.
Question 4: On the TAP Critical Reading section, which strategy best helps evaluate an author's credibility?
- Counting the number of paragraphs
- Checking the author's qualifications and sources cited (Correct answer)
- Assessing the length of the passage
- Evaluating the font and layout
Correct answer: Checking the author's qualifications and sources cited
Credibility is established through the author's expertise, the quality of sources cited, and the accuracy of information.
Question 5: On the TAP, a passage that uses 'loaded language' is attempting to:
- Present balanced information
- Use emotionally charged words to influence the reader's reaction (Correct answer)
- Define technical terms neutrally
- Provide statistical data
Correct answer: Use emotionally charged words to influence the reader's reaction
Loaded language uses words with strong emotional connotations to sway the reader rather than inform objectively.
Question 6: On the TAP, the term 'rhetorical appeal to authority' describes:
- Citing irrelevant celebrity opinions as expert evidence (Correct answer)
- Emotional storytelling
- Statistical comparison
- Logical syllogisms
Correct answer: Citing irrelevant celebrity opinions as expert evidence
Appeal to authority can be a fallacy when irrelevant or unqualified figures are cited as experts on a topic.
TAP Critical Reading 2
On the TAP, 'inductive reasoning' works by: