1. Which examples demonstrate circular reasoning? Select the two correct answers.

Question

A. Because green is the most soothing color, all other colors are inadequate.

B. Of course the interior of the house needs work, but have you seen the beautiful gardens?

C. Few people like the girl who lives down the street because she is unpopular,

D. She is a top student, but do you agree that she probably cheats on all of her tests?

E. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it has a low impact on joints.

2. "STEM goals and learning objectives are to encourage innovation, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. These skills are deemed crucial for achievement in the real world. Ironically, they are precisely the same skills students learn from studying the arts. Some may say that would-be chemists and engineers should focus on science and not waste their time on arts education. Even Einstein and Edison must have benefited from music appreciation and art classes. Clearly, the arts are just as important as the sciences in preparing students for a successful life, so art education should be required for schools and included in the STEM curriculum." Read this and answer the question:

Why does the last line of the passage represent circular reasoning?

A. It makes a false claim about a prior event.

B. Its premise and conclusion rely on each other.

C. It deviates from the main topic of discussion.

D. Its argument is based on a mistaken belief.

3. Use the passage to answer the question.

"All tables are made of wood.
All things made of wood are sturdy.
Therefore, all tables are sturdy."

Which is the best analysis of the argument being made?

A. The argument is both logical and sound.

B. The argument is both illogical and unsound.

C. While the argument is illogical, it is sound.

D. While the argument is logical, it is unsound.

4. "Justin Knopf farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs. In some quarters, those facts would suffice to condemn him as a villain of "Big Ag." But Justin is a conservation hero, showing the way to restore soils and biodiversity, protect clean water and the atmosphere and feed a growing global population without giving over still more of the planet to agriculture which already covers half of Earth's ice-free land, uses 70 percent of all fresh water and has greater impacts on biodiversity than any other human enterprise." Read this and answer the question:

Use the passage to answer the question.

Which portion of the passage functions as a counterargument?

A. "But Justin is a conservation hero, showing the way to restore soils and biodiversity, protect clean Owater and the atmosphere and feed a growing global population without giving over still more of the planet to agriculture..."

B. "Justin Knopf farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs."

C. "... which already covers half of Earth's ice-free land, uses 70 percent of all fresh water and has greater impacts on biodiversity than any other human enterprise."

D. "In some quarters, those facts would suffice to condemn him as a villain of 'Big Ag."

5. "Justin Knopf farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs. In some quarters, those facts would suffice to condemn him as a villain of "Big Ag." But Justin is a conservation hero, showing the way to restore soils and biodiversity, protect clean water and the atmosphere and feed a growing global population without giving over still more of the planet to agriculture-which already covers half of Earth's ice-free land, uses 70 percent of all fresh water and has greater impacts on biodiversity than any other human enterprise." Read this and answer the question:
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which underlined revision to the first sentence would strengthen the author's claim?

A. "Justin Knopf is offering a more sustainable approach on his 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs."

B. "Justin Knopf responds to critics when he farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, Osoy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOS."

C. "Experts from local universities cheer as Justin Knopf farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs."

D. "Justin Knopf farms 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing millions of pounds of wheat, soy, Osorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOS."

Answer 1

1. The two examples that demonstrate circular reasoning are:

   C. Few people like the girl who lives down the street because she is unpopular.
   A. Because green is the most soothing color, all other colors are inadequate.

   Both statements are circular because they assume what they are trying to prove: C assumes that unpopularity is a reason for dislike, and A assumes that being soothing makes green superior without providing adequate justification.

2. The last line of the passage represents circular reasoning because:

   B. Its premise and conclusion rely on each other.

   The argument begins with the premise that arts education equips students with skills necessary for success, and concludes that art education should be included in STEM for those same reasons, hence the premise and conclusion are intertwined.

3. The best analysis of the argument being made is:

   D. While the argument is logical, it is unsound.

   The argument follows a logical form but depends on the flawed premise that all tables are sturdy (which is not necessarily true) and therefore lacks soundness.

4. The portion of the passage that functions as a counterargument is:

   A. "But Justin is a conservation hero, showing the way to restore soils and biodiversity, protect clean water and the atmosphere and feed a growing global population without giving over still more of the planet to agriculture..."

   This sentence highlights a viewpoint that contradicts the negative perspective about Justin's farming practices by presenting him in a positive light.

5. The underlined revision to the first sentence that would strengthen the author's claim is:

   A. "Justin Knopf is offering a more sustainable approach on his 4,500 acres in central Kansas, producing wheat, soy, sorghum and alfalfa for national and global markets, using synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs."

   This revision emphasizes a sustainable approach, potentially aligning with the conservation message of the passage, thus fortifying the author's overall argument.