Attempt these skill builders by entering your answers directly into the textboxes. When you are finished, tap the buttons to see the answers. Note that your answers are not saved.
Instructions: Decide whether these are arguments. If yes, figure out what the conclusion is and what premises are supporting it.
Question 1.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): A recent study found that most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. In contrast, those without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes.
Conclusion: This suggests that having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics.
Question 1.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): ...as indicated by a recent study that found most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. Conversely, individuals without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes.
Conclusion: Having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics...
Question 2.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): Over the past decade, there has been a marked increase in the use of helmets but the number of head injuries from bicycle accidents hasn't decreased.
Conclusion: This suggests that wearing a helmet doesn't necessarily lower the risk of head injuries in bicycle accidents.
Question 2.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): Over the past decade, there has been a marked increase in the use of helmets but the number of head injuries from bicycle accidents hasn't decreased.
Conclusion: Wearing a helmet doesn't necessarily lower the risk of head injuries in bicycle accidents.
Question 3.1
Answer
No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 3.2
Answer
No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 4.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): There is a chance that more advertising for our latest unpopular toy could improve sales.
Conclusion: So we should try it.
Question 4.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): ...because there is a chance that it could improve sales.
Conclusion: We should try more advertising for our latest unpopular toy...
Question 5.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong.
Conclusion: He knows he did something wrong.
Question 5.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong.
Conclusion: So he knows he did something wrong.
Question 6.1
Answer
No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 6.2
Answer
No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 7.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The prize for the best science project will either go to Alice or Bob. I just found out that Bob didn't win.
Conclusion: It's almost certain that Alice will get the prize.
Question 7.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The prize for the best science project will either go to Alice or Bob. I just found out that Bob didn't win.
Conclusion: Therefore, it's almost certain that Alice will get the prize.
Question 8.1
Answer
No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 8.2
Answer
No, this is not an argument. None of the claims supports any other claims. These are just three claims asserted to be true without support.
Question 9.1
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): Most chefs have extensive culinary knowledge. Furthermore, all chefs with extensive culinary knowledge can make a delicious omelette.
Conclusion: Thus, most chefs can make a delicious omelette.
Question 9.2
Answer
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): ...because all chefs with extensive culinary knowledge can make a delicious omelette and most chefs have extensive culinary knowledge.
Conclusion: Most chefs can make a delicious omelette...
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment. You can get a free account here.