Critical Reasoning Practice Questions

1. In a survey of 500 people, 60% said they prefer coffee to tea. Based on this information, which of the following must be true?

300 people in the survey prefer coffee to tea

200 people in the survey prefer tea to coffee

The majority of all people prefer coffee to tea

More people in the survey prefer coffee than those who prefer tea

2. A study found that students who listen to classical music while studying perform better on tests. Therefore, listening to classical music improves cognitive performance. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

Students who listen to classical music tend to study for longer periods

Classical music has been shown to reduce stress levels in laboratory experiments

Students who performed better on tests also showed improved memory in unrelated tasks after listening to classical music

Schools that play classical music in hallways report fewer disciplinary issues

3. A city implemented a new traffic light system and saw a 20% reduction in accidents at intersections over the following year. The city planner concludes that the new system is effective in reducing accidents. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

The city also increased police patrols at intersections during the same period

Other cities using similar traffic light systems reported no significant change in accident rates

The number of vehicles on the road decreased by 15% during the same period

The city conducted a public awareness campaign about intersection safety

4. A study found that cities with more libraries have lower crime rates. Therefore, building more libraries will reduce crime. Which of the following best describes the flaw in this reasoning?

Confusing correlation with causation

Hasty generalization

Appeal to emotion

False analogy

5. A politician argues: "We must cut taxes to stimulate economic growth. Anyone who opposes tax cuts clearly doesn't care about the economy." This argument commits which of the following fallacies?

Ad hominem

False dichotomy

Slippery slope

Begging the question

6. A study found that students who eat breakfast perform better on standardized tests than those who don't. Therefore, schools should provide free breakfast to all students to improve test scores. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Many students who don't eat breakfast come from low-income families that may face other educational challenges

The study was conducted on a small sample of elementary school students

Eating breakfast has been shown to improve overall health and well-being

Some students perform better on tests when they're slightly hungry

7. A company claims that its new air purifier can remove 99.9% of airborne particles. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this claim?

The air purifier uses a new type of filter technology

Independent laboratory tests confirm the 99.9% particle removal rate

The air purifier has received positive customer reviews

The company offers a money-back guarantee on the product

8. No mammals can fly. All bats are mammals. Therefore:

All bats can fly

No bats can fly

Some bats can fly

Some mammals can fly

9. A study found that people who eat breakfast regularly have lower rates of obesity. Therefore, eating breakfast helps prevent weight gain. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

People who skip breakfast tend to overeat later in the day

Breakfast-eaters generally have more active lifestyles

Many breakfast foods are high in fiber and protein, which increase satiety

Obesity rates have increased as breakfast-skipping has become more common

10. A study found that people who meditate regularly report lower levels of stress. Therefore, meditation reduces stress. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

People who meditate regularly also tend to exercise more

Stress levels were measured using both self-reports and physiological indicators

The study was conducted over a short period of time

People with lower stress levels are more likely to start meditating