TSA Verbal Reasoning & Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

'Some doctors are researchers. All researchers are scientists. Therefore, some doctors are scientists.' This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Valid — the conclusion follows logically from the premises

Answer

Invalid because doctors cannot be scientists

Answer

Invalid because 'some' cannot lead to a definite conclusion

Answer

Valid only if all doctors are also researchers

Question 2

A text states: 'The ancient Romans built roads that lasted centuries. Modern infrastructure rarely lasts more than 50 years.' The author most likely intends to:

Accepted Answer

Suggest Roman engineering was superior to modern practices

Answer

Praise modern construction techniques

Answer

Claim Romans had access to better raw materials

Answer

Criticize modern society for its technology reliance

Question 3

Which word best fills the blank? 'The scientist's theory, though initially _____, was eventually proven correct.'

Accepted Answer

controversial

Answer

celebrated

Answer

refuted

Answer

straightforward

Question 4

A passage states: 'Students who read more perform better in school.' This claim is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A correlation that may or may not imply causation

Answer

A universal law applicable to every student

Answer

A proven causal relationship

Answer

An irrelevant observation about student habits

Question 5

What does it mean when an author 'concedes a point' in an argument?

Accepted Answer

They acknowledge a valid aspect of the opposing view

Answer

They abandon their main argument entirely

Answer

They repeat their main claim more forcefully

Answer

They provide additional evidence for their position

Question 6

'The fact that crime rates fell after the new policy proves the policy was effective.' This reasoning commits which fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy

Answer

Valid deductive reasoning

Answer

Valid inductive reasoning

Answer

Circular reasoning

Question 7

An author uses 'however' to begin a new sentence. What does this transitional word signal?

Accepted Answer

A contrast or counterpoint to what was stated before

Answer

A continuation of the previous idea

Answer

A supporting example for the previous claim

Answer

A conclusion to the current argument