PrepTest 87, Section 2, Question 25

Difficulty:

Katelin says that we will be hit by a major snowstorm tomorrow. So she probably believes that tomorrow's antique car show will be canceled, for it will certainly not be held if we are hit by a major snowstorm.

Question

The questionable pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most closely parallel to that in which one of the following?

Jorge says that given today's pollution levels, many species of migratory birds will become extinct. Thus, he probably believes that the extinctions will occur, since it is widely known that pollution might not be reduced at all.

Bo says that the soil in his backyard is poorly drained, and since raspberry bushes will not grow well in soil that is poorly drained, Bo probably believes that raspberry bushes will not grow well in his backyard.

Wanda says that no form of coercive force is ever justified. Thus, since most people who say this believe that government should be abolished, Wanda probably believes that government should be abolished.

My chemistry professor says that most chemists are good at math. So, my chemistry professor might believe that most chemists are good at chess, since most people who are good at math are also good at chess.

Dr. Bowder says that eating garlic increases one's alertness. So, since she knows that whatever improves one's circulation increases one's alertness, Dr. Bowder probably believes that eating garlic increases one's circulation.

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