Critical Reasoning Strengthen Mock Tests

A team of researchers studied the reading habits of 500 children aged 5 to 10. They found that children who were read to by a parent at least 20 minutes per day scored, on average, 15 percent higher on standardized vocabulary tests than children who were read to for less than 5 minutes per day. The researchers concluded that regular parental reading during early childhood causally improves later vocabulary development. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the researchers' conclusion?

The new policy was intended to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging commuters to use public transportation. However, six months after implementation, surveys showed that the majority of commuters still preferred driving their own cars. The policy maker therefore claimed that the policy had failed to change commuter habits. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the policy maker's argument?

The new education policy requires all high school students to complete a semester-long course in financial literacy before graduating. The superintendent argues that this will prepare students for the financial decisions they will face as adults, such as managing bank accounts, understanding credit cards, and planning for retirement. Critics counter that adding this requirement will overcrowd the curriculum and force students to drop other important subjects. Which of the following, if true, most supports the superintendent's argument?

A city implemented a congestion pricing scheme requiring drivers to pay a fee to enter the downtown core during peak hours. Within three months, traffic volume in the zone decreased by 18%, and air quality improved measurably. The city transportation department plans to expand the program to additional zones and increase the fee over time, arguing that the higher costs will further reduce traffic and generate revenue for public transit improvements. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the transportation department's plan?

The government is considering imposing a tax on sugary beverages to combat rising obesity rates. Public health officials cite evidence from countries that have implemented similar taxes, where sugary drink consumption declined by an average of 20 percent. However, beverage industry lobbyists argue that obesity is a multifactorial problem and that a tax on sugary drinks alone will have negligible impact. Which of the following, if true, most supports the beverage industry lobbyists' argument?

A city replaced incandescent streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights. After the switch, the city reported a 40 percent reduction in electricity costs for street lighting. The city's public works director attributed this reduction entirely to the higher energy efficiency of LED technology. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the director's attribution?

Company X plans to reduce employee absenteeism by offering flexible work hours. The company president argues that since many employees report that rigid schedules are the primary cause of their absences, allowing them to choose their own hours will significantly reduce the number of days missed. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the president's argument?

The pharmaceutical company invested heavily in clinical trials for its new drug, yet the drug failed to demonstrate statistically significant improvement over existing treatments. Nevertheless, the company proceeded with the marketing campaign, arguing that patient preference data showed a 60 percent favorability rating. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the company's decision to proceed with marketing?