Lesson: Challenging Critical/Logical Reasoning - 07t01

Reasoning Classics: The Causal Argument

After reading a number of arguments, you will probably start to notice patterns in the way the arguments are structured. And in fact, many arguments are just variations on the same basic theme. Becoming familiar with these patterns will help you work more quickly when you encounter these arguments on the test.

The first Classic is the causal argument.

Below is an example of a causal argument. Identify the causal relationship in this argument and type it into the Text Box. Click Continue to compare your answer to ours.

Last year the amusement park in our area replaced its steel rollercoaster with a vintage-style wooden rollercoaster. However, since that time, park officials have noted that attendance has dropped by 10 percent. Officials have concluded that people prefer steel rollercoasters to more old-fashioned rollercoasters, and that this preference has led to a decrease in attendance.

Cause = new rollercoaster Effect = lower attendance

The causal relationship here is that the replacement of the steel rollercoaster caused attendance to drop.

Are you convinced? Can you be sure that it was the new rollercoaster that resulted in decreased attendance?

Let's go to the next page to learn more about causal arguments.

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