| Critical Reasoning Butler: July 2025 |
| July 18 | CR 1 | CR 2 |
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CR 1 In a forest often visited by the residents of a small town bordering it, a plant was discovered that is believed to have been accidentally introduced by colonialists who tried to grow foreign vegetables in the area. The plant carries a potent neurotoxin, and upon digestion is capable of killing small to medium-sized animals. To cease the dwindling population of a small deer species that populates the forest, authorities are planning to erect explanatory signs at all the main entrances to the forest pleading to visitors to uproot and dispose of any such plants if identified.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most solid reason to expect that the authorities' plan will succeed?
(A) A glass recycling project that was initiated by the authorities of the town had very successful results primarily because of the enthusiastic cooperation of the townspeople, who were offered small monetary incentives.
(B) The elimination of the plants is imperative since the sap carrying the active neurotoxin that can be absorbed by the skin, oozes from picked leaves and results in cardiac symptoms, often fatal to humans.
(C) The emblem of the town, a yellow and cobalt blue coat of arms, has in its center a stylized image of the deer species that inhabits the forest, and appears on municipal buildings, statues, and documents.
(D) Continuing an age-old tradition started by the founders of the town, many townspeople engage in the breeding of dogs and can often be seen strolling the vicinity with two or three of their prized animals.
(E) Mysterious to foreigners, the forest is a territory well-known to the townspeople, who as youths often wander through it, becoming familiar with the countless hidden paths leading into it.
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CR 2 Almost all of the residents of Lonelitown drink cheap bottled mineral water, and not the water supplied by the municipality. Therefore, the municipality should reduce the price paid for water if they are to encourage residents to go back to drinking it.
The above conclusion is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?
A. The bottled water is imported from springs overseas.
B. The municipality's water supply is filtered through a sophisticated process.
C. Residents of Lonelitown are not dedicated to the livelihood of their municipality.
D. The price is the factor that most influences the resident's choice of drinking water.
E. Bottled mineral water receives far more public attention through advertising than municipal water does.