Assumption and Conclusion Reasoning Questions

1. If it's a holiday, the mail isn't delivered. The mail wasn't delivered today. Therefore, it must be a holiday. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

2. If you exercise regularly, you'll be fit. You're fit. Therefore, you must exercise regularly. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent

3. A company claims that their new energy-efficient light bulbs last 50% longer than traditional bulbs. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?

The energy-efficient bulbs cost more than traditional bulbs

The company's testing was done under ideal laboratory conditions

Consumers report no significant difference in bulb lifespan in real-world use

The energy-efficient bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs

4. If it's a school day, the buses are running. The buses are running today. Therefore, it must be a school day. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

5. If it's a holiday, the stores are closed. The stores are closed today. Therefore, it must be a holiday. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

6. All triangles have three sides. This shape has three sides. Therefore, this shape is a triangle. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

7. All mammals give birth to live young. Whales give birth to live young. Therefore, whales are mammals. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

8. If it's a weekend, the museum is open. The museum is open today. Therefore, it must be a weekend. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

9. A study finds that children who play video games have better problem-solving skills. The researchers conclude that playing video games improves cognitive abilities. Which of the following is an assumption made in this conclusion?

All video games involve problem-solving

Children with better problem-solving skills are not more likely to play video games

Problem-solving skills are the most important cognitive ability

The improvement in problem-solving skills is directly caused by playing video games

10. If you water plants regularly, they will grow. Your plants have grown. Therefore, you must have watered them regularly. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent