Critical Reasoning: Inference Questions
"If you don't study well for the following test, you are sure to fail", said the professor to his students. "Only those of you who study for at least 10 hours have a chance of passing."
Which of the following can best be inferred, based on the professor's statements ?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]It is still possible for someone (a chimp, for example) to study for more than 10 hours for the test and still have a zero chance of success, much like someone who has studied for fewer than 10 hours. Thus, this conclusion goes too far from the premises stated.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]We are told nothing about what number of studying hours would ensure a passing grade. Therefore, any inference on that matter is unfounded by the premises. No need to go that far; one small step is all you need.
You've passed this one with honors!
[[snippet]]If only those who study for at least 10 hours have a chance of passing (premise B) and you do not want to fail, you should study for at least that amount of time.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Though the professor's requirements sound frightening, the other professors may be worse. As always with Inference Questions, we have to choose the conclusion based on the information we have and an additional small step - we cannot make any assumptions!
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Those who don't study for 10 hours will surely fail the test, but we have no information as to the achievements necessary for passing the course. Therefore, we cannot draw such a conclusion.
