TAP Critical Reading

Question 1

On the TAP Critical Reading section, an 'argument' in a passage consists of:

Accepted Answer

A claim supported by evidence and reasoning

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than the argument

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

An unfair preference or prejudice that affects objectivity

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A statement that can be verified as true or false

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A general principle to a specific conclusion

Answer

Deductive reasoning starts with a general premise and applies it to reach a specific conclusion.

TAP - Test of Academic Proficiency Practice Test