Philosophy

Q: "Should welfare recipients repay the state before they collect their winnings from the lottery? On the one hand, if you borrow money from somebody and win the lottery with it, you should repay the loan out of your winnings. But on the other hand, welfare is not a loan. It is a payment to people to help them improve their lives in the best way they can." Which of the following best states the primary issue discussed in the passage? A. whether welfare is a loan B. whether welfare should be used to play the lottery C. whether welfare recipients should repay the state before they collect winnings from the lottery D. whether the fact that welfare is a loan means that welfare recipients should repay the state before they collect winnings from the lottery

Q: "The Justice Department recently reported that the Immigration and Naturalization Service allowed more than 180,000 immigrants to become American citizens just before the last presidential election without completing background checks. The INS did this in hopes that most of the new immigrants would vote for Democrats. This political chicanery is an outrage, and Congress should demand accountability from the responsible officials." Which of the following best states the primary issue discussed in the passage? A. whether the INS allowed 180,000 immigrants to become American citizens without completing background checks B. whether the INS allowed 180,000 immigrants to become American citizens without background checks in hopes that the new immigrants would vote for Democrats C. whether this political chicanery shows that Congress should demand accountability from the responsible officials D. whether Congress should demand accountability from the responsible officials

Q: "I think there should be a speed limit for the 'spandex' bicycle racers that feel the need to run those of us that dont ride or walk as fast off the road and into the bushes in Bidwell Park. The park is for everyones pleasure and enjoyment, and more often than not it is spoiled by those few who feel they are superior to the rest of us. Approximately eight out of ten times when my family and I have ridden our bikes through the park at least one of us has just about been plowed over by one of those egotistical speeders."From a letter to the editor Which of the following best states the primary issue discussed in the passage? A. whether there should be a speed limit for bicycle racers B. whether bicycle racers are egotistical C. whether the park is for everyones pleasure D. whether outings to the park are frequently spoiled by bicycle racers

Q: "With genetically different animals, theres always the possibility that the results of experiments are due to variations among animals rather than to whatever is being tested. Genetically identical research animals would therefore be a boon to research because scientists could be more confident of their research results." Which of the following best states the primary issue discussed in the passage? A. whether scientists need to be more confident of their research results B. whether genetically identical research animals would be a boon to research C. whether results of experiments are due to variations among animals or to whatever is being tested D. whether experimentation on animals should continue

Q: "The presidents basic problem, in my opinion, is that she is too unemotional. She makes all her decisions on cold logic and seems to ignore the human dimension. If you dont believe me, I offer as proof the way she withdrew her support for her brother-in-law when he was charged with tax evasion. After that, he couldnt get elected dog catcher." Which of the following best states the primary issue discussed in the passage? A. whether the president should have withdrawn support for her brother-in-law B. whether you should believe me about the president C. whether the president has a serious problem D. whether the president is too unemotional

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "In the last two hundred years, the theoretical landscape of biology has changed drastically, however. Species and other taxa are not the result of divine creation, but the products of evolution. Taxa are not static, timeless classes of organisms, but evolving and temporary entities. The theoretical assumptions of Linnaean system have been replaced by those of Darwinism and the Modern Synthesis."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "It is usual for the law to prescribe a lesser penalty for the attempt than for the completed crime. The reason is plain enough. Doing harm is a more serious matter than simply doing what might have ended up as that but didnt. It seems, therefore, that one who does harm does something that is more wrong than one who does something harmful but with no one harmed."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "Like me, [Alexander Hamilton] usually reads history or philosophy. In private, however (if I may be allowed to traduce his memory and expose him to all the world), Hamilton was a devoted reader of womens novels, as I discovered one day at the New York Society Library when I came upon a note in his hand asking the librarian to reserve for him Edward Mortimer (by a Lady) and The Amours of Count Palviano and Eleanora. I was shocked."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "Ruben Salazar couldnt possibly have been the victim of a conscious, high-level cop conspiracy to get rid of him by staging an accidental death. The incredible tale of half-mad stupidity and dangerous incompetence on every level of the law enforcement establishment was perhaps the most valuable thing to come out of the inquest. Nobody who heard that testimony could believe that the Los Angeles County sheriffs department is capable of pulling off a delicate job like killing a newsman on purpose."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "Gun control laws dont work. What is worse, they act perversely. While legitimate users of firearms encounter intense regulation, scrutiny, and bureaucratic control, illicit markets easily adapt to whatever difficulties a free society throws in their way. Also, efforts to curtail the supply of firearms inflict collateral damage on freedom and privacy interests that have long been considered central to American public life."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "[F]ast food and national restaurant chains that serve it have long been the object of criticism by nutritionists and dietitians. Despite the attention, however, fast-food companies, most of them publicly owned and sprinkled into the stock portfolios of many striving Americans, have grown more aggressive in their targeting of poor inner-city communities. One of every four hamburgers sold by the good folks at McDonalds, for example, is now purchased by inner-city consumers who, disproportionately, are young black men."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "No person can possess an employment either in England or Ireland unless he be ranked among the faithful, that is, professes himself a member of the Church of England. This reason, which carries mathematical evidence with it, has converted such numbers of Dissenters of all persuasions, that not a twentieth part of the nation is out of the pale of the Established Church. The English clergy have retained a great number of the Romish ceremonies, and especially that of receiving, with a most scrupulous attention, their tithes. They also have the pious ambition to aim at superiority."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "Luckily, most decisions can be reassessed. Even decisions that seem monumental can often be altered. Suppose you decided to live off campus because it offered more privacy and independence as well as a change from campus residential living. However, you discovered that your expenses were greater, you didnt like to cook for yourself, and you got lonely. Or suppose you chose to major in nursing because you thought you would always be able to find a job in that career. But halfway through your coursework, you found you didnt like science, practicum labs interfered with your family time, and the sight of blood made you ill."

Q: Identify the main point or issue in the following passage, and decide whether the rest of the passage offers reasons for the main point (such as, whether the passage contains an argument), whether it illustrates (provides examples for) the main point, whether it explains the point, is irrelevant to the point, and so on. "With little experience in homicide cases, the Greenwich Police Department made a number of critical mistakes. One was not insisting on a speedy autopsy: because the forensic examination of Marthas body was delayed for nearly a day, the time of death is unusually imprecise. Another was the failure to get a search warrant for the Skakel home."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "I served in Vietnam, and that gives me the right to speak about people who did not do their duty during that time. And, among others, that includes our current president, who used family connections to avoid ever going on active duty."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "I am a Korean War veteran, and I just want to say that our commander-in-chief is a lying, cheating, draft-dodging, gay-loving hypocrite who thinks sucking up to the military can make us forget what he did during Vietnam. He cant, as hell learn when we impeach him."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims.

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "What is the best move to begin a game [of chess]? At one time the masters began automatically with 1 P-K4; then they switched to 1 P-Q4. Paul Morphy, considered by many critics the greatest chess genius that ever lived, never played 1 P-Q4. In contrast, Ernest Gruenfeld, one of the greatest living authorities on opening play, ventured on 1 P-K4 only once in his entire tournament career (against Capablanca at Karlsbad 1929). When asked why he avoided 1 P-K4, he answered, I never make a mistake in the opening."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "Flamenco and the Fiesta (spectacle of bullfighting) are deeply related. This connection is undeniable, and vital for an understanding of either. Both stem basically from the common people, and they stir the same basic emotions and passions. Both are given flashes of erratic genius by gypsies, and a sense of indomitable steadiness and responsibility by the Andalusians. And they have in common another important factor: they are the two most probable ways that the commoner can break out of his social and economic level."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "The breaking of secret codes (cryptanalysis) provides an example of inductive reasoning closely resembling the inductive reasoning scientists carry out. However, cryptanalysis can be carried out using pen and paper, needing no laboratories. In addition, even simple forms of cryptanalysis can be quite intriguing. Simple forms of cryptanalysis can therefore be very useful as classroom examples of inductive reasoning."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "I dont know whether to be amused or annoyed. The U.S. government spends millions of dollars rounding up herb farmers. Ridiculous! Deaths from alcohol abuse are overwhelming. Surely this is a bigger problem. I doubt even a single death from smoking pot and driving has been reported. And the idea that smoking pot leads to heroin is nonsense. Anyone who is going to become an addict will do so regardless of what they have around."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "The evenings official party, thrown by the Samuel Goldwyn Co. to celebrate the premiere of its film Golden Gate, was noisy and crowded and located in one of the areas poshest ski lodges. But as usual, the serious action didnt begin until later, at the unofficial afterparties. The hot ticket that night at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah (pop. 4,468), was a bash thrown in a rented condo by the William Morris talent agency and 20th Century Fox. Actually, invitations were hardly needed; anybody who could find a parking spot on the clogged, snow-packed streets and squeeze through the crowd spilling out of the jammed condo could venture into the belly of the Hollywood beast."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "The California State University trustees showed considerable foresight in their recent unanimous decision to strengthen the systems admission standards. . . ."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. Trout do feed on mosquito larvae, but they seldom feed on adult mosquitoes. So it is not likely that fish take an imitation mosquito because they are fooled into thinking it is a real one. Most likely they take the mosquito fly for a midge or a gray caddis.

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims. "The arrogance of some State Department and U.S. Information Agency employees who took luxury cruises at government expense is shameful."

Q: Identify for which claims, if any, support has been given in the following passage; and state in your own words the reasons that have been offered for these claims.

Q: Identify the main issue in the following passage. If two or more issues are present, indicate how they are relatedthat is, does the settlement of one depend upon the settlement of the other?

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: Experimentation on animals? Horrid, awful, immoral! No argument would justify experimenting on animals that wouldnt also justify experimenting on humans.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: Most cases of date rape happen when the couple has been drinking. Thats another good reason for getting booze off the campus.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: About 90 percent of all those colorful kids books about dinosaurs contain misinformation and misleading interpretations.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: The banking industry is going the same direction as the savings and loan industry. If the government deregulates banks the way it did the S&Ls, taxpayers will have another financial disaster on their hands.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: Look, its just good business sense to foreclose on a piece of property when the mortgage defaults. We cant sit around here and carry these loans month after month.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: I think the oversight laws for police have to be toughened. Right now, its difficult for society to protect itself against rogue cops. B: Well, I know you cant be convinced otherwise, but it just isnt true that every officer whos brought up on charges is guilty of those charges.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: A woman in Tennessee was charged with a felony for not warning rescuers that her fianc, who had suffered a heart attack, had tested positive for AIDS. Thats a good law, since people ought to know when theyre stepping into a dangerous situation to help somebody else.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: I cant believe the student government paid John Kerry over a thousand dollars to come here and give a speech. Hes been out of the news for ages, and hes clearly biased. They should have saved our money.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: Have you seen those advertisements for striptease dancers for private parties? Thats exploitative and insulting, if you ask me.

Q: The quality of a discussion often depends on how closely the parties attend to the same issue. For the passage below, determine whether the speakers are clearly disputing the same issue, or whether somebody is missing the point. A: The legislature should pass a bill banning agricultural burningwhen they burn those fields the whole area is covered with a layer of smoke.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. "It is indeed said that the Japanese work more than 2,000 hours a year, but this is not so. At Sonyand at Sanyo or Matsushitathe total is somewhere between 1,800 and 1,900 hours."

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. "Because real estate is a local investment, I recommend investing within an hours drive from your home. Personally, I invest within a half-hour drive because then I can properly manage the property and watch it to be sure it is not declining in market value."

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. "Those who accept evolution contend that creation is not scientific; but can it be fairly said that the theory of evolution itself is truly scientific?" LifeHow Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. "And he went from there, and entered their synagogue. And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? so that they might accuse him. He said to them, What man of you, if he has one sheep, and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath."

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. A judges finding that the FBI discriminated against its Hispanic agents is the second time in less than a year that the bureau has been embarrassed by its treatment of minority employees. Last November, black FBI agent Donald Rochon filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court accusing the bureau of racial harassment when he was an agent in Omaha. The suit is pending.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument; if it does, identify the main issue. TVs coverage of the Olympics was not very exciting. The anchorman was cool and detached, and, except for basketball, they never zeroed in on a single event long enough for anyone to care. Plus, there was just too much coverage. Anytime you turned on TV, there was the Olympics. It was like airalways there. And whats so exciting about air?

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument and, if it does, identify that arguments final conclusion.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument and, if it does, identify that arguments final conclusion. "Can you believe it? Tight-fitting polyester clothes are making a comeback. Theyve even brought back bell-bottoms. Next thing you know, the professors around here will be dragging out their leisure suits."

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument and, if it does, identify that arguments final conclusion.

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument and, if it does, identify that arguments final conclusion. "Should I go to class today? Were probably just going over the test; I can afford to miss that. Besides, I havent cut a single class all semester. I guess it wont hurt to stay home this once."

Q: Determine whether the following passage contains an argument and, if it does, identify that arguments final conclusion.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. First Manager: I think it is time to change our policy on return items. From now on, lets just give customers their money back, no questions asked.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Worried Athletic Supporter: Im particularly concerned with the proposed cuts in the university athletic program. If something has to be cut, lets start with something like dance or basket weaving.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Terry: You dont need to spend a lot of money on a home stereo system. Just buy a good car stereo. Theyre just as good as home stereos, and theyre cheaper. All you need is an AC to DC power converter, and youre in business. Larry: Fine, except who says a car stereo is cheaper? Car speakers cost more than home speakers. Also, it isnt exactly cheap to replace your car system if it gets stolen, as often happens.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his position in the following passage. Father: The governor should reduce government spending before he starts increasing taxes. Taxes just reduce our incomes, and there is plenty of waste in government. For example, a fire department doesnt need a chief, an assistant chief, and a captain. All it needs is one administrator and however many firefighters. Son: Who takes charge if the administrator is sick or injured?

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for her position in the following passage. Mother: If you are looking for a wise investment, try real estate. The price of housing has always risen faster than the rate of inflation.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. She: When you think about it, theres every reason why women soldiers shouldnt serve in combat.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. First Citizen: There has been a lot of talk in favor of having civilian police-review boards monitor law enforcement activities. Thats better than letting internal-affairs units try to do that job.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Republican: If taxes absolutely must be raised, raise the sales tax. Raising taxes on corporations or income taxes just drives businesses out of state, and thats bad for the economy. The net result is less tax revenue for government.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Insurance Exec: Insurance costs so much because accident victims hire you lawyers to take us insurers to court and soak us for all were worth. There should be limits on the amounts insurance companies may be required to pay out on claims. Attorney: Limits? Doesnt sound like a good idea to me. What if someones medical expenses exceed those limits? Do we just say, "Sorry, Charlie?"

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Student A: My family is very conservative. I dont think theyd like it if they found out that I was sharing an apartment with two males.

Q: Identify each speaker that gives an argument for his or her position in the following passage. Larry: Before we go to Hawaii, lets go to a tanning salon and get a tan. Then we wont look like we just got off the plane, plus we wont get sunburned while were over there. Laurie: I dont know . . . I read that those places can be dangerous. And did you ever check out how much they cost? Lets let it go.

Q: Determine whether the following passage is (or contains) an argument.

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