19 Jan Recognizing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
There are two types of
reasoning, deductive and inductive. Deductive works from a general premise to a particular
conclusion, while inductive reasoning works up from particular premises to a general
conclusion. Deductive reasoning, when done properly, yields a certain conclusion. Inductive
reasoning, by contrast, always leaves some room to doubt the certainty of the conclusion. The
trick is recognizing when you are looking at a deductive argument, and when it’s inductive.
For help, read pages 56-67.
Passage 1: Sleep
[A] Research indicates that getting at least seven hours of sleep improves memory and
learning.[B] Last week, I tried going to bed earlier and noticed that I felt more alert the next
morning. [C] Some individuals, however, report that sleeping too long makes them feel groggy
instead of rested. [D] Therefore, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is essential for
promoting healthy brain function. [E] People who track their sleep patterns often identify habits
that help them rest more effectively.
Question 1: Which line presents an observation rather than a conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
Question 2: Which line contains the conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
Question 3: Which line introduces the potential for differing outcomes?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
Question 4: Which line provides personal testimony rather than data?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
Question 5: Which line shows an attempt to generalize from individual experience?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
Section 2: Evaluating Argument Strength
Here we have an opportunity to check and see what makes an argument strong. Have a look at
pages 80-84 before doing the passages below.
Passage 2: Study Breaks
[A] A nutrition researcher claims that drinking water regularly throughout the day improves
cognitive performance. [B] The researcher explains that proper hydration keeps brain cells
functioning efficiently and prevents attention lapses. [C] In controlled trials, participants who
drank a cup of water every hour solved memory tasks 12–18% faster than those who did not. [D]
She advises office workers and students to keep a water bottle nearby and drink small amounts
frequently. [E] Several companies have begun installing hydration stations to encourage
employees to drink more water. [F] Surveys show that workers who increased their water intake
reported feeling more focused and less fatigued.
Question 6: Which line provides statistical support for the prediction?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 7: Which line contains the speaker’s reasoning rather than the conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 8: Which line shows the application of the speaker’s conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 9: Which line presents a real-world confirmation of the prediction?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 10: Which line contains a recommendation based on the conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Section 3: Deductive Argument Patterns There are many types of deductive reasoning.
When an argument is valid and sound, the result of deductive reasoning is to create a certain
conclusion. Many different kinds of arguments can get you there. The important thing is that
you are looking at how the reasons interact with each other. For a rundown on different types
of deductive reasoning, read pages 68-70
Passage 3: Blue Lights
[A] Last month, I stopped using my phone an hour before bed and noticed that I fell asleep more
quickly. [B] Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that signals the body to
prepare for sleep. [C] Many people use phones and laptops in the evening as part of their normal
routine. [D] Accordingly, exposure to blue light before bedtime can interfere with falling asleep.
[E] Multiple scientific reviews show that reducing screen time at night improves overall sleep
quality. [F] For these reasons, limiting bright screen use in the evening is recommended to
support healthier sleep patterns.
Question 11: Which line represents the premise of the argument?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 12: Which line presents the specific application of the argument?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 13: Which line contains the conclusion of the deductive argument?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 14: Which line provides external validation of the argument’s conclusion?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 15: Which line makes a generalization based on the conclusion of the argument?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Section 4: Inductive Argument Patterns The other form of reasoning is inductive. Again,
look at how the reasons interact with each other. Look at pages 70-75. Pay particular attention
to the section on inductive generalization. We do this all the time. We have a few experiences
and then we make a general conclusion based on those few experiences. That is just another
way to say we are always making inductive generalizations. There are better and worse ways
to do that, and this section will help us understand how.
Passage 4: Mass Transit
[A] Experts came together to study mass transit [B] Analysts noted that expanding public
transportation options generally improves overall traffic flow in cities. [C] To test this claim, one
metropolitan area added an express bus line for six weeks and monitored congestion levels. [D]
Some transportation experts argued that recent traffic improvements may be due to seasonal
travel changes rather than new transit routes. [E] A commuter remarked, “Taking the express bus
makes my mornings feel calmer and more predictable.” [F] As a result, city planners voted to
increase funding for additional transit routes next year.
Question 16: Which line presents an inductive generalization based on a study?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 17: Which line describes a follow-up action to assess the argument’s strength?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 18: Which line presents an alternative explanation that challenges the
generalization?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 19: Which line describes a qualitative response rather than a numerical data
point?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
Question 20: Which line contains an action based on the generalization?
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E
f. F
