TAP Critical Reading 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the TAP Critical Reading section, an 'argument' in a passage consists of:
- Only the author's emotional appeals
- A claim supported by evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
- A list of facts without a position
- An opinion stated without any support
Correct answer: A claim supported by evidence and reasoning
An argument combines a central claim with supporting evidence and reasoning to persuade the reader.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy tested on the TAP?
- Using statistical data to support a claim
- Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than the argument (Correct answer)
- Quoting a relevant expert
- Providing a counterargument
Correct answer: Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than the argument
An ad hominem fallacy attacks the speaker's character instead of addressing their argument.
Question 3: On the TAP, 'bias' in a reading passage refers to:
- The use of technical vocabulary
- An unfair preference or prejudice that affects objectivity (Correct answer)
- A well-organized argument structure
- The use of statistical evidence
Correct answer: An unfair preference or prejudice that affects objectivity
Bias is a tendency to favor one perspective unfairly, which can distort information presented in a text.
Question 4: When a TAP passage distinguishes between 'fact' and 'opinion,' a fact is best described as:
- Something that everyone personally believes
- A statement that can be verified as true or false (Correct answer)
- Any statement made by an expert
- A widely held personal judgment
Correct answer: A statement that can be verified as true or false
A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false through evidence, unlike an opinion.
Question 5: On the TAP Critical Reading section, 'deductive reasoning' moves from:
- Specific examples to a general conclusion
- A general principle to a specific conclusion (Correct answer)
- Evidence to a hypothesis
- A question to a restatement
Correct answer: A general principle to a specific conclusion
Deductive reasoning starts with a general premise and applies it to reach a specific conclusion.
Question 6: A TAP passage contains a 'counterargument.' This is best described as:
- A restatement of the main argument
- An opposing viewpoint addressed within the passage (Correct answer)
- A conclusion that summarizes the argument
- A list of supporting facts
Correct answer: An opposing viewpoint addressed within the passage
A counterargument presents an opposing view, which the author then typically refutes to strengthen their position.
TAP Critical Reading 1
On the TAP Critical Reading section, an 'argument' in a passage consists of: