For each of the following, name the conclusion (the main point that the arguer is trying to convince you of). (Answers are at the bottom of the page. Don’t peek!)

1. “Sahar is a valuable employee. Sahar works well with others. She has the team’s best sales numbers.” The most likely conclusion, here, is:
a) Sahar is a valuable employee.
b) Sahar works well with others.
c) She has the team’s best sales numbers.
d) No conclusion is being presented.

2.”Fabrizio is not a good team-player. We will probably need to fire him. He also doesn’t seem to have much talent as a salesperson.”
The most likely conclusion, here, is:
a) Fabrizio is not a good team-player.
b) We will probably need to fire him.
c) He also doesn’t seem to have much talent as a salesperson
d) No conclusion is being presented.

3.”Our new product is priced very competitively. It is also very well-designed. And it tests well with focus groups.”
The most likely conclusion, here, is:
a) Our new product is priced very competitively.
b) Our new product is very well-designed.
c) Our new product tests well with focus groups.
d) No conclusion is being presented.

4.”Our competitors are increasingly innovative. Our technology is outdated. Our prospects for the coming year don’t look good.”
The most likely conclusion, here, is:
a) Our competitors are increasingly innovative.
b) Our technology is outdated.
c) Our prospects for the coming year don’t look good.
d) No conclusion is being presented.

Answers:

1. a)
2. b)
3. d)
4. c)