Deck 2: Cost Behavior and Cost Estimation

Question 1

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Mr. Zing has a background in psychology. He is bound to make a good chairman.

Answer 1

People versed in psychology tend to make good administrators.

Question 2

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
It is a very nice clock, but as you can see, it doesn't really go very well on that wall. For one thing, it's too large for the space. For another, it's red, and the wall is green. The best thing you could do with it, I'm afraid, is take it back. Walmart is good about giving refunds.

Answer 2

Two arguments present; conclusions: "it doesn't really go very well on that wall" and "the best thing you could do with it, I'm afraid, is take it back"; "the best thing you could do . . ." is the conclusion of the principal argument.

Question 3

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
The market for Jackson Pollock paintings has collapsed virtually overnight.

Answer 3

No argument.

Question 4

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Monica may have trouble sleeping tonight, since she drank tea at 10 pm.

Question 5

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
If your only source of information is TV Guide, you are not likely to be very well informed, so Michael is not likely to be well informed.

Question 6

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
"If you don't mow your lawn at least once a week, what happens is that when you do mow it, it turns brown later."

Question 7

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Rajbir is a professional dancer, so we can assume that Rajbir practices several hours a day.

Question 8

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
I'd bet the TV doesn't work right. Josh was messing with it.

Question 9

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
Imagine yourself naked, without weapons, and running after a deer. If you were to catch this deer, how would you eat it? Humans are not equipped with canine teeth in order to eat meat without tools. A carnivore's teeth are long and sharp, and its jaws move up and down. Humans, by contrast, use their molars to crush and grind their food. Have you ever noticed that so many Americans are overweight and unhealthy? That's because they eat meat.
-From a student paper

Question 10

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
Bamboo can grow up to four feet a day, but only after it is well established. This can take from three to five years, depending on the type of bamboo.

Question 11

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Sydney is ten; therefore, she likes horses.

Question 12

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
The Burnhams have invited the performers home for a reception following the recital. But it would be wise to let them know if you plan to attend, because space is limited.

Question 13

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
"Hey, see that bald dude over there? You know how old that guy is? He's my teacher."
"I dunno. Fifty, maybe."
"He's not fifty. He's almost seventy."
"Must eat a lot of Grow Pup."
"I guess! He's a good teacher, too. He really communicates. Makes you remember stuff. I forget now what the course was. . . ."

Question 14

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
All the moisture they get in Oregon keeps the grass green; so cows probably like Oregon.

Question 15

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Deborah loves American Idol. It's a good bet she watches Dancing with the Stars, too.

Question 16

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
Feldspar works at a restaurant at night and teaches during the day. I'd have to bet he's tired most of the time, and that's a good reason for thinking he won't do well in school this term.

Question 17

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
According to the recent opinion poll, the President is not likely to get a second term in office.

Question 18

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
"Hey, what is that stuff you're cooking anyway? It smells like fish."
"Fish! What do you mean 'fish?' That's a pot roast I'm cooking."
"Oh . . . say, you don't mind if I open a window, do you? No, it's not the fish-uh, roast; it just seems sorta warm in here."

Question 19

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Her home is in Santa Cruz, so I doubt it has depreciated in the last 5 years.

Question 20

Identify the following passage as containing an argument, two arguments, or no argument; if it contains an argument, identify the conclusion(s); and, if it contains two arguments, indicate which argument is the principal argument.
Is Bill Clinton's behavior prior to his becoming President relevant to how he should be judged in office? Yes: 22%; No: 71%.
-From a telephone poll of 800 adult Americans taken for Time/CNN by Yankelovich Partners, Inc.

Question 21

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
It isn't too late. The bars haven't closed. If the bars haven't closed, then it isn't too late.

Question 22

In order to be sound, an argument must be

A)valid and strong.
B)deductive and strong.
C)valid and have true premises.
D)inductive and have true conclusions.

Question 23

"The baseball team has never lost a match in its home ground. I am pretty sure they will win this match too." This argument is best considered

A)inductive
B)deductive.

Question 24

When the premises of a valid argument are , the argument is said to be _________.

Question 25

Consider: "X. Therefore, since Y, Z." Which would go in the "Y" space?

A)a premise
B)a conclusion
C)an assumption
D)a scope statement

Question 26

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
Computer networks are immune from computer viruses only if they're completely isolated from other machines and stray software. So, as I told you, this network is not safe from viruses. This network is not completely isolated from other machines and stray software.

Question 27

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
We'll be better off in the dark than driving on ice in the fog. So let's wait a while. If we're better off in the dark than driving on ice in the fog, then we should wait a while.

Question 28

Arguments whose premises are intended to provide some support but less than absolutely conclusive support for the conclusion are _________.

Question 29

An argument is _________ if it isn't possible for the premise (or premises) to be and the conclusion .

Question 30

"All vice-presidents in the company drive a Mercedes. Since Eric is a vice-president, he must also drive a Mercedes." This argument is best considered

A)inductive.
B)deductive.

Question 31

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Andrew eats junk food everyday. He is bound to have health problems soon.

Question 32

"Sheila's clarinet is French. It's a Leblanc, and all Leblanc instruments are made in France."This argument is best considered

A)inductive
B)deductive.

Question 33

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
Jordan keeps his word. He is a man of good character.

Question 34

If we know that a valid argument has premises, then the argument

A)must be sound.
B)might be sound.
C)is strong.
D)might have a false conclusion.

Question 35

"Jose is taller than Bill, and Bill is taller than Margaret. Therefore, Jose is taller than Margaret." This argument is best considered

A)inductive.
B)deductive.

Question 36

Supply a general principle that, assuming it is , makes the following into a relatively strong inductive argument:
There is a south wind. We'll be getting rain.

Question 37

If we know that an argument is weak, then we know that the conclusion

A)is false.
B)is true.
C)may or may not be true.

Question 38

In an argument, the word "so" indicates

A)a conclusion.
B)a premise.
C)sometimes a conclusion and sometimes a premise.
D)an assumption.

Question 39

"The ensemble played an encore at last year's concert, and I'm pretty sure they played one the year before as well. So they will most likely play an encore at this year's concert."This argument is best considered

A)inductive.
B)deductive.

Question 40

Arguments whose premises are intended to provide absolutely conclusive reasons for accepting the conclusion are _________.

Question 41

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
If she really thought those clothes were unflattering, she wouldn't be caught dead in them. Anyway, she told me herself she thought she looked good in them. She wouldn't say that unless she believed it, so she obviously does. She wears those clothes.

Question 42

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
I've been looking at the available literature on the trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and the great majority of writers on the subject have grave doubts about the Rosenbergs's guilt. It seems clear that they may well have been innocent.

Question 43

And that television set is much too big for your living room anyway. You shouldn't buy any television set that's too big for your living room.

Question 44

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
It's Monday, so the mail carrier will probably arrive after noon today. He usually comes in the early afternoon on Mondays.

Question 45

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The only time you can count on dry weather in Seattle is the first week of August. So, since you need to count on dry weather for your trip, you'll have to plan it for next week. Next week is the first week of August.

Question 46

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
Look, there's no sign of smoke from the cabin. If he were there, he'd have a fire. We'd see the smoke, unless he couldn't find any dry wood. But there's a lot of dry wood around. Notice also that you don't hear his dog. He's not there. If you don't hear his dog, he's not there.

Question 47

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
I've already won a hundred dollars in the state lottery, and hardly anyone wins that much twice. So I'm not likely to win that much again.

Question 48

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
Sal is probably going to be late, since the traffic is so bad. And he said he had an errand to run on his way over here.

Question 49

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
Tony's car is dangerous. It has bad brakes, and the tires are nearly worn out. Any car that has bad brakes is dangerous. Any car with tires that are nearly worn out is dangerous.

Question 50

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The Mini Max video camera: It's the lightest in weight, it's the least expensive, and it comes with the longest warranty in the business-all good reasons for making it the one you take home.

Question 51

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
A combination of anti-HIV drugs has proven much more successful than the use of any single drug. But that means successful treatments are going to be even more expensive, because taking the drugs in combination has to cost more than taking just a single drug.

Question 52

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The general population of the country has a favorable impression only of those members of the administration who get good press reviews, and Madelaine Albright, the Secretary of State, is the only current member of the administration who is getting good press. So she's the only one the country has a good impression of these days.

Question 53

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
No floor with two-by-four joists on two-foot centers is strong enough. So this floor isn't strong enough. This floor has two-by-four joists on two-foot centers.

Question 54

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
"Sixty Minutes" has been in the top ten in the Neilsen ratings for the last twenty years. It's a safe bet it'll be there this coming season as well.

Question 55

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The blasted hedge clippers aren't working again. Must be the switch. That's usually the problem.

Question 56

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The more people who have access to a medium, the more crackpot conspiracy theories you're going to find in that medium. Unfortunately, more people have access to the Internet than to any other medium, so that means there are more crackpot theories there than anywhere else.

Question 57

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
If your shoes are too small, then you shouldn't wear them, and those are much too small. Besides, they're worn out. If the shoes are worn out, then you shouldn't wear them.

Question 58

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
The almond trees have not blossomed. It is not yet the middle of February. The almond trees do not blossom before the middle of February.

Question 59

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
Toyota is raising its prices by 3 percent on January 1, and we won't be able to afford one if we wait until then. Besides that, the old heap won't make it to the first of the year. We'll have to buy now. If we cannot afford a Toyota after January 1, we'll have to buy now. If the old heap won't make it to the first of the year, we'll have to buy now.

Question 60

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated.
I'd advise you not to vote for Melton. Melton is very radical. You shouldn't vote for radicals.

Question 61

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
Either there's a burglar outside or there's a dog in the garbage. There can't be a dog in the garbage because of the fence. So it must be a burglar. Besides, I think I saw a flashlight beam, and it could only be a burglar that would make such a light.

Question 62

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
I'm pretty certain she wouldn't be happy as a police officer. Just watching a crime movie makes her nervous, and if she can't tolerate simulated violence, she most likely won't like the real thing.

Question 63

Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. You may want to diagram the argument. Is there an unstated conclusion?
The competition employs a sliding mechanism. But a hinged door is lighter and easier to operate and ensures a better fit and seal with the body than a sliding mechanism, thus keeping the cabin's interior noise level to a minimum. And it allows for greater freedom in the shape of the vehicle.
-Adapted from Mazda truck product manager Bernie Chaisson, arguing that the new Mazda MPV's door setup is superior to that of Chrysler minivans

Question 64

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
For one thing, every movie Stallone has made in the past decade has made money. For another, blood and-guts patriotism is selling big these days. So the combination of another film of that kind from Stallone is very nearly a certain moneymaker.

Question 65

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
The rules under which the IRS operates will change only if there are lots of complaints about IRS activities in the press, and there has not been that level of complaint the last year or two. Furthermore, the "internal culture" of the agency provides a powerful validation of its rules, and when that happens, you're not going to get rule changes. So I think it's safe to conclude that we won't be seeing any changes in the IRS rules in the near future.

Question 66

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
People who read more tend to have better vocabularies than those who don't, and having a good vocabulary makes you a better speaker and writer. Since good speaking and writing are important job skills, you are probably a better job candidate if you read a lot.

Question 67

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
The Gallup people estimate that most Americans believe that physicians' fees are excessive. I know everyone I talk to thinks that. But we'll never have socialized medicine in this country. Americans will pay any amount for the freedom to choose their own doctors; that's what history tells us.

Question 68

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing or clarifying premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B)Diagram the argument.
I'll bet a dollar that Booth picks Chapman as his new vice president. Booth and Chapman have been on a first-name basis for a long time, and Booth usually rewards his friends.

Question 69

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
Let's see. I know our policy covers us if our car is stolen or if the windows are broken, so chances are it'll cover us if someone steals the stereo, too. Besides that, our homeowners policy covers stereos, and our car policy seems to cover a lot of the same stuff the homeowners policy covers.

Question 70

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
I think we should ask Bill to take care of the house while we're gone. According to Kent, Bill took good care of Kent's house. In addition, he's always been responsible about other things. I'm sure he'll do a good job.

Question 71

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
It seems pretty likely that all the smaller food stores around town are going to have trouble staying open. Jack's Market has closed, the 5th Street Market has closed, and now I hear that the Cash And Carry across town is going to fold up, too. You'd best get used to the idea of shopping at the big supermarkets, since those are probably going to be all that's left in another six months.

Question 72

A) Analyze the argument passage below, addressing the following as appropriate: specify the issues addressed; identify premises and conclusions; classify as inductive or deductive; supply missing premises; separate arguments from window dressing; identify claims better left unstated. B) Diagram the argument.
Automobile air bags substantially reduce the chances of being hurt in a crash, and unlike seat belts, you can't forget to use them. What's more, there are almost no cases on record of a bag inflating when it shouldn't have and causing an accident. So, you're much safer buying a car with air bags than one without them.