Circular Reasoning Quiz

Circular reasoning concludes that an argument is validated by ____________.

With circular reasoning, there is no ____________ or reasoning besides what is already stated.

Put a check mark next to the statement that involves circular reasoning.

• The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo should be attended by everyone who lives in the city. It is the best rodeo in the country, and if people do not attend the rodeo will get smaller. If it gets smaller than it will probably get canceled.

• The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the best rodeo in the country. The events and activities are better than every other rodeo.

Explain why the answer you selected in Number 3 is an example of circular reasoning.

How could you change this statement so that it does not involve circular reasoning? "Ryan makes delicious burgers because he's an excellent cook."

What can you make but you can't see?

• cake

• trouble

• noise

• the bed

What makes circular reasoning ineffective in an argument?

• It provides too many options.

• It does not prove anything beyond what is already assumed.

• It is too complex for most audiences to understand.

• It always involves numerical data.

A monkey, a squirrel and a bird are racing to the top of a coconut tree. Who will get the banana first?

• monkey

• squirrel

• bird

• none of them

Which is heavier? A pound of feather or a pound of rocks?

• A pound of feather

• A pound of rocks

• Neither. Both weigh a pound!