- A city planner concludes that Riverton should convert one downtown traffic lane into a protected bike lane. Bicycle counts on the main corridor have doubled over five years, while car counts on the same corridor have remained essentially flat. After a nearby city installed protected lanes on a comparable street, retail vacancy rates on that street fell and pedestrian injuries declined, according to that city's annual safety report. Since Riverton's corridor has similar block length and storefront density, the planner argues that a protected lane would likely yield comparable safety and economic benefits. Which statement functions as a reason in the argument?
Answer: Bicycle counts on the main corridor have doubled over five years, while car counts on the same corridor have remained essentially flat.
This question tests identifying premises or evidence that support an argument. Premises are the stated facts or observations used to justify the conclusion. The planner's conclusion is that "Riverton should convert one downtown traffic lane into a protected bike lane." The Borrect answer (B) provides specific traffic data: "Bicycle counts on the main corridor have doubled over five years, while car counts on the same corridor have remained essentially flat." This evidence demonstrates increasing demand for bicycle infrastructure without corresponding growth in car traffic, supporting the reallocation of road space from cars to bikes. The premise shows that usage patterns have shifted, making the proposed conversion logical. Choice A is incorrect because it simply states the conclusion—what the argument aims to prove—rather than offering evidence to support that conclusion.
- In "Her forecast is predicated on the assumption that interest rates will stay low," the word "predicated" most nearly means:
Answer: based
To be predicated on something is to be founded on it, so the assumption is the premise beneath the forecast. "Foretold" is tempting because "predicated" resembles "predicted," but the sentence describes what the forecast rests on.
- An environmental economist argues that the state should offer rebates for home insulation upgrades. Utility data show that households with older, poorly insulated homes use substantially more energy per square foot in winter than newer homes, and a small rebate program in one county led to a measurable drop in average winter electricity demand there the following year. Because lower peak demand reduces the need for expensive standby generation, the economist concludes that statewide rebates would save money for the grid as well as for homeowners. The argument treats which of the following as evidence?
Answer: A small rebate program in one county led to a measurable drop in average winter electricity demand there the following year.
This question tests your ability to identify premises or evidence in an argument. Premises are the specific facts or observations that support the conclusion being made. The economist's conclusion is that "statewide rebates would save money for the grid as well as for homeowners." The Borrect answer (B) provides empirical evidence from a real-world test: "a small rebate program in one county led to a measurable drop in average winter electricity demand there the following year." This concrete example demonstrates that rebates actually work to reduce energy demand, which supports the argument for expanding the program statewide. The premise shows proven effectiveness at a smaller scale, suggesting similar benefits at a larger scale. Choice A is incorrect because it states the conclusion itself—what the argument aims to prove—rather than providing evidence to support that conclusion.
- A university committee recommends replacing a single high-stakes final exam in introductory biology with three shorter exams spread across the semester. The committee observes that in sections that piloted the change, the withdrawal rate fell from 12% to 7%. It also reports that average attendance at review sessions increased, suggesting students studied more consistently rather than cramming. On these grounds, the committee concludes that the department should adopt the three-exam format for all sections next year.
The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: In sections that piloted the change, the withdrawal rate fell from 12% to 7%.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence that support the argument's conclusion. A premise is a statement of fact or reason that the author uses to justify their conclusion. The conclusion here is that the department should adopt the three-exam format for all sections. The Correct answer (C) provides specific data about the pilot program—the withdrawal rate falling from 12% to 7%—which the committee explicitly cites as evidence for their recommendation. This statistical improvement serves as a premise because it demonstrates the positive effects of the proposed change. Choice (A), by contrast, is the conclusion itself rather than a premise supporting it, making it an incorrect answer.
- In "Because the samples were contaminated, the results are unreliable," the clause beginning with "Because" functions as:
Answer: a premise offered in support
"Because" introduces a reason, so the contamination is the premise and "the results are unreliable" is the conclusion. Calling it the conclusion confuses word order with logical role: the claim being supported follows the comma.
- A public health analyst contends that the rise in heat-related illnesses in Lakemont is largely due to urban development patterns rather than changes in residents' behavior. Over the last decade, tree canopy coverage in the city center fell by 20% as parking lots and low-rise buildings replaced older green spaces, and satellite measurements show that nighttime surface temperatures in those areas now remain several degrees higher than in surrounding suburbs. Hospital admissions for heat exhaustion increased most sharply in the same central neighborhoods, even though survey data indicate that reported outdoor recreation time has not increased. Therefore, Lakemont should prioritize shade and cooling infrastructure in its redevelopment plans. Which of the following is offered as evidence in support of the argument's conclusion?
Answer: Tree canopy coverage in the city center fell by 20% as parking lots and low-rise buildings replaced older green spaces.
This question tests your ability to identify premises or evidence supporting an argument's conclusion. Premises are the specific facts or observations that provide reasons for accepting the conclusion. The analyst's conclusion is that "Lakemont should prioritize shade and cooling infrastructure in its redevelopment plans." The Borrect answer (B) provides concrete evidence linking urban development to heat problems: "Tree canopy coverage in the city center fell by 20% as parking lots and low-rise buildings replaced older green spaces." This statement establishes that development patterns have reduced natural cooling features, which supports the argument that the city needs to actively add shade and cooling infrastructure. Combined with data about increased temperatures and hospital admissions in these same areas, this premise builds the case for the proposed solution. Choice A is incorrect because it states the conclusion itself—what the argument seeks to prove—rather than providing evidence for that conclusion.
- In "The fossil lacks hollow bones; hence, it is unlikely to be an early bird," the word "hence" signals that what follows is:
Answer: a conclusion from the prior claim
"Hence" is a conclusion indicator. The lack of hollow bones is the premise, and "unlikely to be an early bird" is the inference drawn from it. Reading the second clause as evidence reverses the support, since premise words like "because" do that job.
- A museum director argues that the museum should invest in a digital membership program. In a survey of lapsed members, the most common reason for not renewing was that they "forgot" to use benefits, and 62% said they would be more likely to renew if reminders and passes were accessible on a phone. After the museum introduced a simple digital ticket wallet for a limited group, renewal rates in that group were 15% higher than for comparable members who received only paper mailings. Hence, expanding the digital program will increase membership retention. The argument treats which of the following as evidence?
Answer: Renewal rates were 15% higher for members given a digital ticket wallet than for comparable members who received only paper mailings.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence used to support an argument. Premises are the factual statements or data points that provide reasons for accepting the conclusion. The director's conclusion is that "expanding the digital program will increase membership retention." The Borrect answer (B) presents concrete comparative data: "renewal rates were 15% higher for members given a digital ticket wallet than for comparable members who received only paper mailings." This controlled comparison provides empirical evidence that digital tools actually improve renewal rates, directly supporting the conclusion about expanding the program. The phrase "comparable members" is particularly important as it suggests a fair test of the digital approach. Choice A is incorrect because it simply restates the conclusion—it's what the argument aims to prove, not evidence offered to prove it.
- A company's sustainability memo recommends switching the office from disposable cups to reusable mugs. The memo reports that the company purchased 120,000 disposable cups last year and that waste-hauling fees rose by 8% over the same period. It also notes that a pilot program on one floor, where employees were given mugs, reduced cup orders on that floor by more than half. The memo concludes that providing reusable mugs companywide will reduce waste costs.
The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: A pilot program on one floor reduced cup orders on that floor by more than half.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence in the argument. A premise is a factual statement that the author uses to support their conclusion. The conclusion here is that providing reusable mugs companywide will reduce waste costs. The Dorrect answer (D) describes the pilot program results showing cup orders were reduced by more than half on one floor, which the memo explicitly cites as evidence. This pilot data serves as a premise because it provides empirical proof that the proposed solution works in practice. Choice (A) is the conclusion itself, not a premise supporting it, which is why it cannot be correct.
- A university committee claims that expanding evening library hours will raise student academic performance. In a trial month when the library stayed open until midnight, entry logs showed a 35% increase in visits after 9 p.m., and tutoring appointments held in library study rooms rose by 22%. In addition, students in introductory chemistry reported in a survey that they completed more problem sets on weeknights because they could work in a quiet space. Thus, the committee concludes that the university should fund permanent late-night library staffing. The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: During the trial month, entry logs showed a 35% increase in visits after 9 p.m.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence supporting the argument's conclusion. Premises are the factual statements or observations that provide reasons for accepting the conclusion. The conclusion here is that "the university should fund permanent late-night library staffing." The Borrect answer (B) provides concrete data from the trial period: "entry logs showed a 35% increase in visits after 9 p.m." This measurable increase in library usage during extended hours serves as evidence that students actually take advantage of later hours, supporting the committee's recommendation. This premise, combined with other evidence about increased tutoring appointments and student survey responses, builds the case for permanent funding. Choice A is incorrect because it simply restates the conclusion—it's what the argument seeks to prove, not a reason offered in support of that conclusion.
- A company's HR director concludes that offering a commuter benefit for public transit will reduce employee turnover. Exit interviews from the past year show that a notable share of departing employees cited commuting costs as a significant burden, and payroll records indicate that employees with the longest commutes have resigned at higher rates than those living closer. When a small group in one office received pre-tax transit passes for three months, that office reported fewer late arrivals and a modest increase in employee satisfaction scores. Therefore, the director recommends expanding the commuter benefit to all offices. The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: Exit interviews show that some departing employees cited commuting costs as a significant burden.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence supporting an argument. Premises are the factual statements that provide reasons for the conclusion. The HR director's conclusion is that "offering a commuter benefit for public transit will reduce employee turnover." The Borrect answer (B) provides direct evidence linking commuting costs to turnover: "Exit interviews show that some departing employees cited commuting costs as a significant burden." This statement establishes that commuting expenses are actually a factor in why employees leave, which supports the idea that addressing this burden through benefits could reduce turnover. Combined with data about resignation rates and the positive pilot results, this premise builds the case for the proposed benefit. Choice A is incorrect because it restates the conclusion and recommendation—it's what the argument seeks to establish, not evidence offered to support it.
- A school district administrator argues that the district should adopt a later start time for high school students. In the past two years, first-period tardiness has been highest among students who ride the earliest bus routes, and a district survey found that students reporting fewer than seven hours of sleep were significantly more likely to miss morning classes. In a pilot at one high school that shifted the start time by 45 minutes, average attendance increased and nurse visits for fatigue-related complaints decreased, even though the curriculum and grading policies stayed the same. Therefore, the district should move all high schools to a later start time. Which of the following is offered as evidence in support of the argument's conclusion?
Answer: In the pilot school, average attendance increased and nurse visits for fatigue-related complaints decreased after the start time shifted by 45 minutes.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence supporting an argument's conclusion. Premises are the factual statements or data that provide reasons for accepting the conclusion. The administrator's conclusion is that "the district should move all high schools to a later start time." The Borrect answer (B) presents concrete results from a pilot program: "average attendance increased and nurse visits for fatigue-related complaints decreased after the start time shifted by 45 minutes." This empirical evidence from an actual test of the proposed change directly supports the conclusion by showing positive outcomes when the intervention was implemented. The controlled nature of the pilot (same curriculum and grading policies) strengthens this evidence. Choice A is incorrect because it restates the conclusion itself—it's what the argument seeks to establish, not a reason offered in support of that claim.
- In "To bolster her motion, the attorney adduced three prior rulings," the word "adduced" most nearly means:
Answer: cited as evidence
To adduce is to bring forward something as evidence or support, which fits "to bolster her motion." "Derived logically" tempts because "deduce" looks similar, but deducing produces a conclusion rather than supplying evidence for one.
- A technology manager argues that a company should standardize on a single project-management platform. Over the past year, teams using three different platforms spent an average of two additional hours per week reconciling task lists during cross-team projects, according to internal time logs. In a three-month experiment, two departments that switched to the same platform reduced missed handoffs by 30% and reported fewer duplicated tasks, while their project scope and staffing levels stayed constant. Therefore, adopting one platform companywide will improve coordination and efficiency. The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: Teams using three different platforms spent an average of two additional hours per week reconciling task lists during cross-team projects.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence in an argument. Premises are the factual statements that provide support for the conclusion being made. The manager's conclusion is that "adopting one platform companywide will improve coordination and efficiency." The Borrect answer (B) provides specific quantitative evidence of inefficiency: "teams using three different platforms spent an average of two additional hours per week reconciling task lists during cross-team projects." This measurable time loss directly supports the need for standardization by showing the current cost of using multiple platforms. The premise establishes that fragmentation creates real productivity problems, which the proposed solution would address. Choice A is incorrect because it restates the conclusion—it's the claim the argument is trying to establish, not a reason offered to support that claim.
- In the city of Norhaven, the transit authority argues that it should implement congestion pricing downtown. Over the past two years, average bus speeds in the pricing zone have fallen by 18%, and traffic sensors show that private vehicles account for most of the peak-hour lane occupancy. After a six-week pilot that charged drivers a small fee to enter the zone during rush hour, bus speeds increased by 12% and on-time performance improved, even though the number of buses in service did not change. Therefore, adopting congestion pricing permanently will improve the reliability of public transit in Norhaven. Which of the following is offered as evidence in support of the argument's conclusion?
Answer: During the six-week pilot, bus speeds increased by 12% even though the number of buses in service did not change.
This question tests your ability to identify premises or evidence that support an argument's conclusion. Premises are the stated reasons or facts that an author uses to justify their conclusion. In this passage, the conclusion is that "adopting congestion pricing permanently will improve the reliability of public transit in Norhaven." The Borrect answer (B) presents specific data from the pilot program: "bus speeds increased by 12% even though the number of buses in service did not change." This empirical evidence directly supports the conclusion by showing that congestion pricing actually improved transit performance during the trial. Choice A is incorrect because it restates the conclusion itself rather than providing evidence for it—the argument aims to prove this claim, not use it as support.
- Select the answer choice that best completes the sentence. The essay's thesis was bold, but its author offered little _____ for it, relying on sweeping assertions.
Answer: evidence
The contrast with "sweeping assertions" shows the essay lacked support, and the support for a thesis is evidence. "Enthusiasm" is tempting after "bold," but a bold claim made through sweeping assertions is hardly lacking in enthusiasm.
- The critic called the report's conclusion _____, since none of the data it cited actually bore on the question it claimed to answer.
Answer: unfounded
If none of the cited data bears on the question, the conclusion has no evidential basis, so it is unfounded. "Unoriginal" tempts because it is also a criticism, but the sentence faults the report's evidence, not its novelty.
- An environmental organization argues that a coastal town should restrict nighttime beachfront lighting during sea turtle nesting season. The organization cites monitoring data showing that on beaches with bright artificial lighting, a larger proportion of hatchlings crawl inland rather than toward the ocean. It also notes that neighboring towns that adopted lighting restrictions reported higher hatchling survival rates in subsequent seasons. The organization concludes that limiting nighttime lighting will improve local sea turtle hatchling survival.
The author relies on which of the following as a premise?
Answer: Monitoring data show that on brightly lit beaches, more hatchlings crawl inland rather than toward the ocean.
This question asks you to identify premises or evidence that the author relies on. A premise is a factual statement used to support the argument's conclusion. The conclusion is that limiting nighttime beachfront lighting will improve local sea turtle hatchling survival. The Correct answer (C) presents monitoring data showing that more hatchlings crawl inland on brightly lit beaches, which the organization explicitly cites as evidence. This behavioral data serves as a premise because it demonstrates how artificial lighting disrupts hatchling navigation, supporting the need for lighting restrictions. Choice (A) merely restates the conclusion rather than providing a reason for it, which is why it's incorrect.
- In "Granted, the survey was small; nonetheless, its findings point toward reform," the clause beginning with "Granted" serves as:
Answer: a concession limiting the evidence
"Granted" concedes a weakness in the evidence, and "nonetheless" pivots to the conclusion that reform is warranted. Calling it a premise supporting the reform is tempting, but a small sample weakens the case rather than strengthening it.
- A city parks department argues that it should plant more street trees in a neighborhood with frequent summer heat advisories. The department cites temperature measurements showing that blocks with mature tree canopy are, on average, 3°F cooler than nearby blocks with little canopy. It also notes that emergency-room visits for heat-related illness are concentrated in the least-shaded parts of the neighborhood. The department concludes that increasing tree canopy will reduce heat-related health risks there.
The argument treats which of the following as evidence?
Answer: Emergency-room visits for heat-related illness are concentrated in the least-shaded parts of the neighborhood.
This question asks you to identify what the argument treats as evidence. Evidence consists of the specific facts or data presented to support a conclusion. The conclusion is that increasing tree canopy will reduce heat-related health risks in the neighborhood. The Dorrect answer (B) presents data about emergency-room visits being concentrated in the least-shaded areas, which the department explicitly cites as evidence. This health data serves as evidence because it establishes a correlation between lack of shade and heat-related illness, supporting the proposed intervention. Choice (A) restates the conclusion rather than providing evidence for it, which is why it's incorrect.
