Logical Reasoning

PT131 · S1 · Q10 Columnist: A recent research report

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Columnist: A recent research report suggests that by exercising vigorously, one significantly lowers one's chances of developing certain cardio­-respiratory illnesses.

Evidence

A recent research report suggests that by exercising vigorously, one significantly lowers one’s chances of developing certain cardio-respiratory illnesses.

But exercise has this effect, the report concludes, only if the exercise is vigorous.

Conclusion

Thus, one should not heed older studies purporting to show that nonstrenuous walking yields the same benefits.

Evaluate

The columnist has two studies. One says that exercise needs to be vigorous to significantly reduce one’s risk of developing cardio-respiratory illnesses. Another says that it doesn’t. So how does the author know which is correct? The flaw in this argument is the author assumes that one of them is correct.

10.

The reasoning in the columnist's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that this argument

  1. fails to consider the possibility

    Out of Scope

    Reducing one’s risk of cardio-respiratory illnesses by any means other than exercise is not relevant to the argument.

    13% picked this

  2. fails to consider that those

    Out of Scope

    The argument does not assume that exercise is only good for one’s health.

    3% picked this

  3. overlooks the possibility that vigorous

    Out of Scope

    Other life-endangering diseases that have little to do with the cardio-respiratory system are not relevant to the argument.

    2% picked this

  4. fails to consider the possibility

    Out of Scope

    How people perceive themselves is not relevant to the argument.

    2% picked this

  5. Correct

    fails to show that a

    Why this is right

    This points out the possibility that the opposing conclusion is better justified.

    Skill tested: Flaw · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    80% picked this

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