Worked example
Everyone in our group likes this explanation, so it must be correct.
What is the main reasoning problem?
Answer & why
Answer: It treats popularity as proof.
Many people choosing something does not establish that its claim is true.
Grade 10 · Reading & language
Notice gaps in an argument
Identify why a reason does not adequately support a conclusion.
8 authored questions + worked example
Add to plan
All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
They asked for a one-day trial, so they clearly want us to change everything forever.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It attacks the person instead of the idea.
- It exaggerates the opposing position.
- It treats popularity as proof.
- It changes the subject.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It exaggerates the opposing position.
Wanting a short trial is changed into an unsupported permanent demand.
Question 2
When asked whether the path is accessible, the organizer replies that the flowers are attractive.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It attacks the person instead of the idea.
- It treats popularity as proof.
- It draws a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
- It changes the subject.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It changes the subject.
The response does not address the path's accessibility.
Question 3
Everyone in our group likes this explanation, so it must be correct.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It draws a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
- It attacks the person instead of the idea.
- It offers only two choices when others may exist.
- It treats popularity as proof.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It treats popularity as proof.
Many people choosing something does not establish that its claim is true.
Question 4
Do not consider Lee's timetable proposal; Lee has untidy handwriting.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It attacks the person instead of the idea.
- It offers only two choices when others may exist.
- It assumes sequence alone proves causation.
- It draws a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It attacks the person instead of the idea.
The statement judges the speaker rather than examining the proposal.
Question 5
Two visitors disliked the display, so nobody will enjoy it.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It offers only two choices when others may exist.
- It assumes sequence alone proves causation.
- It repeats the claim as its own evidence.
- It draws a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It draws a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
Two observations cannot justify a claim about every visitor.
Question 6
We must cancel the event or spend our whole budget. There is no other option.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It repeats the claim as its own evidence.
- It offers only two choices when others may exist.
- It assumes sequence alone proves causation.
- It exaggerates the opposing position.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It offers only two choices when others may exist.
The statement excludes alternatives without showing they are impossible.
Question 7
The lights flickered after I moved my chair, so moving my chair caused the flicker.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It repeats the claim as its own evidence.
- It changes the subject.
- It exaggerates the opposing position.
- It assumes sequence alone proves causation.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It assumes sequence alone proves causation.
One event following another does not by itself prove a cause.
Question 8
This plan is best because no plan is better than this one.
What is the main reasoning problem?
- It exaggerates the opposing position.
- It treats popularity as proof.
- It changes the subject.
- It repeats the claim as its own evidence.
A hint
Separate the conclusion from its evidence and check whether the evidence actually supports it.
Answer & why
Answer: It repeats the claim as its own evidence.
The reason supplies no independent support.