Critical Reasoning Practice Questions

1. A city planner argues that building more bike lanes will reduce traffic congestion. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this argument?

Cities with extensive bike lane networks have lower rates of car ownership

Bike lanes are less expensive to maintain than roads for cars

A survey shows that 25% of car commuters would switch to biking if there were more bike lanes

Bike lanes improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions

2. A company claims that its new weight loss supplement leads to an average weight loss of 10 pounds in one month without changes in diet or exercise. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?

The supplement has not been approved by regulatory authorities

Participants in the study were also given a low-calorie meal plan

The supplement causes mild side effects in some users

The company's previous weight loss products have been ineffective

3. A city council proposes implementing a congestion charge to reduce traffic in the city center. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument for this proposal?

Cities with similar charges have seen a significant reduction in traffic congestion

The proposed charge would generate substantial revenue for the city

Public transportation in the city is already operating at full capacity

Some businesses oppose the charge, fearing it will reduce customer visits

4. A company decides to implement a four-day workweek to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the effectiveness of this decision?

Employees express enthusiasm for the new schedule

Other companies have reported increased productivity with a four-day workweek

The company's clients expect availability five days a week

The four-day workweek will result in longer working hours on workdays

5. Politician: "My opponent claims to support small businesses, but she voted against the Small Business Relief Act last year. Clearly, she doesn't truly care about small businesses." This argument commits which of the following fallacies?

Ad hominem

Straw man

False dichotomy

Oversimplification

6. If it rains, the ground gets wet. The ground is wet. Therefore, it must have rained. This argument commits which of the following logical fallacies?

Ad hominem

Slippery slope

Affirming the consequent

False dilemma

7. An environmental group argues that banning single-use plastic bags will significantly reduce plastic pollution in oceans. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Many people reuse plastic bags for other purposes before discarding them

Single-use plastic bags account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic pollution

Alternative bag options, such as paper or cloth, have their own environmental impacts

Some marine animals mistake plastic bags for food

8. A company claims that its new app can help users learn a language twice as fast as traditional methods. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?

The app has received positive reviews from users

The app uses artificial intelligence to personalize lessons

A study shows that app users and traditional learners achieve the same level of proficiency after six months

The app is more expensive than most language learning books

9. A company claims that its new diet pill leads to significant weight loss without the need for exercise or dietary changes. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the company's claim?

The pill has been approved by regulatory authorities

Participants in clinical trials lost an average of 15 pounds in 3 months without changing their lifestyle

The pill has fewer side effects than competing products

The pill is more affordable than other weight loss solutions

10. A study found that students who study in groups perform better on exams than those who study alone. The researchers conclude that group study is more effective than individual study. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

Students who study in groups tend to study for longer periods

Group study sessions often include snacks and breaks

Students who perform well academically are more likely to form study groups

Group study helps students identify and address their weaknesses