Critical Reasoning Practice Questions

1. A government proposes increasing funding for renewable energy research to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this proposal?

The country has large untapped reserves of natural gas

Renewable energy technology has made significant advancements in recent years

Other countries have successfully reduced fossil fuel dependence through similar research funding

A study shows that the most significant barrier to renewable energy adoption is the lack of infrastructure, not technology

2. A restaurant owner notices that customers who order appetizers tend to leave larger tips. He concludes that encouraging appetizer orders will increase the average tip size. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

Appetizers have a higher profit margin than main courses

Customers who order appetizers usually spend more time in the restaurant

The restaurant's appetizer menu has recently been expanded

Customers who can afford appetizers generally have more disposable income

3. A politician argues that increasing the minimum wage will lead to job losses, as businesses will be forced to lay off workers to maintain profitability. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Some businesses have already voluntarily increased their minimum wages

Higher wages lead to increased worker productivity and reduced turnover

The proposed minimum wage increase is gradual and implemented over several years

Other countries with higher minimum wages have lower unemployment rates

4. A company found that employees who participate in its wellness program take fewer sick days than those who don't. The company concludes that the wellness program is effective in reducing sick days. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

Employees who participate in the wellness program tend to have healthier lifestyles overall

The wellness program includes regular health check-ups and vaccinations

Employees who don't participate in the wellness program are more likely to work overtime

The company offers incentives for participating in the wellness program

5. A city planner proposes building more bike lanes to reduce traffic congestion. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument for this proposal?

A survey shows that many residents would bike to work if there were more bike lanes

Building bike lanes is less expensive than widening roads

Increased cycling has been linked to improved public health

Other cities with extensive bike lane networks have lower rates of car ownership

6. A nutritionist claims that consuming probiotics improves digestive health. In a study, participants who took probiotic supplements reported fewer digestive issues. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the nutritionist's claim?

The study was funded by a company that produces probiotic supplements

Some participants in the study also made dietary changes during the trial period

The placebo group in the study also reported improvements in digestive health

Probiotic supplements can cause mild side effects in some people

7. A company claims that its new smartphone app helps users improve their sleep quality. Users of the app report feeling more rested in the morning. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the company's claim?

The app's effectiveness has not been independently verified

Some users stop using the app after a few weeks

Users tend to go to bed earlier when using the app

The app provides general sleep hygiene tips that are widely available

8. An advertising agency claims that companies using their services see an average 20% increase in sales. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?

The agency's fees are higher than the industry average

Companies that use the agency's services tend to be in rapidly growing industries

The agency has won several awards for creative advertising

The agency's client retention rate is above 90%

9. A politician argues: "My opponent wants to increase funding for public transportation. This will lead to higher taxes, which will hurt the economy and cause job losses." This argument is an example of:

Slippery slope fallacy

Ad hominem attack

False dichotomy

Appeal to tradition

10. 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