Skill Builder - Arguments

Attempt these skill builders by typing your answers directly into each question's text field. When you are finished, tap the buttons to see the answers. Note that your answers are not saved.

Instructions: Decide whether these are arguments. If yes, figure out what the conclusion is and what premises are supporting it.

Question 1

A recent study found that most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. In contrast, those without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes. This suggests that having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics.
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): A recent study found that most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. In contrast, those without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes.
Conclusion: This suggests that having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics.

Question 2

Having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics, as indicated by a recent study that found most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. Conversely, individuals without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes.
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): ...as indicated by a recent study that found most people with blue eyes have a relative with blue eyes. Conversely, individuals without blue eyes are far less likely to have a relative with blue eyes.
Conclusion: Having blue eyes is largely determined by genetics...

Question 3

Human communication is a universal phenomenon that has existed across different civilizations over time. Linguists have conducted many comparative analyses of traditional languages from various regions and eras. No, this is not an argument. Neither claim supports the other. These are just two claims asserted to be true without support.

Question 4

He knows he did something wrong. The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong.
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong.
Conclusion: He knows he did something wrong.

Question 5

The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong. So he knows he did something wrong.
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): The kid took a cookie from the forbidden jar without permission. He knows that doing what is not permitted without first seeking permission is wrong.
Conclusion: So he knows he did something wrong.

Question 6

All libraries and bookstores are intellectual places. Most well-stocked intellectual places showcase a wide range of books on various subjects. But if an intellectual place is disorganized, it is not well-stocked. No, this is not an argument. None of the claims supports any other claims. These are just three claims asserted to be true without support.

Question 7

Most chefs can make a delicious omelet because all chefs with extensive culinary knowledge can make a delicious omelet and most chefs have extensive culinary knowledge.
Yes, this is an argument.
Premise(s): ...because all chefs with extensive culinary knowledge can make a delicious omelet and most chefs have extensive culinary knowledge.
Conclusion: Most chefs can make a delicious omelet.
Pause (K) Seek backward 10 seconds (J) Seek forward 10 seconds (L) Mute (M)
/
· Keyboard shortcuts
K
Play/Pause
J
Seek backward 10 seconds
L
Seek forward 10 seconds
←
Seek backward 5 seconds
→
Seek forward 5 seconds
M
Mute/Unmute
↑
Volume up
↓
Volume down
.
Speed up
,
Speed down
C
Closed-Captions On/Off
I
Enter/Exit PIP
F
Enter/Exit Fullscreen
Closed-Captions On (C) 1x Speed Quality Enter PIP (I) Enter Fullscreen (F)

Confirm action

Are you sure?