| Critical Reasoning Butler: May 2025 |
| May 26 | CR 1 | CR 2 |
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CR 1 Dog breeders do not typically look to breed dogs that have unique appearances or exceptional intelligence, as there is little demand for such dogs. The only dog-owners willing to pay for dogs that have been bred to possess a unique combination of traits are those who intend to compete in dog shows. Therefore, innovation in dog-breeding is limited by what dog-show organizers consider attractive attributes.
Which of following is an assumption made in drawing the conclusion above?
A) The market for typical dog breeds cannot expand unless the market for specially bred dogs expands.
B) Dog breeding methods are likely to be improved more as a result of innovations developed by independent breeders than as a result of innovations developed by large pet companies.
C) Dog show organizers do not consider the possibilities offered by advanced breeding techniques when they determine what traits they find attractive in a dog.
D) Dog breeders lack interest in innovation primarily because they desire to breed dogs that can be reared easily by the average pet owner.
E) Dog show competitors do not produce a strong demand for innovations other than what is considered attractive by dog show organizers.
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CR 2 Last year the total amount of bonuses offered by Xio Technologies reached a historic peak, and many are wondering if that record will be surpassed this year. Now, any bonus is received either by existing employees during their annual appraisals or by new employees in the form of a joining bonus. This year, the management has not been as generous in awarding annual bonuses as it was last year. Additionally, the recruitment calendar for this year indicates that the number of new employees joining the firm will be lower this year than it was the previous year, and new recruits this year will definitely receive no higher joining bonus than did those who joined last year. Hence, it can be established that the total amount of bonuses distributed this year will not outdo last year’s record. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is a claim challenged by the argument; the second is an explicit assumption that the challenge is based on.
(B) The first is a claim challenged by the argument; the second is a judgment advanced in support of the argument’s main conclusion.
(C) The first provides evidence in support of the argument’s main conclusion; the second is a judgment advanced in support of that main conclusion.
(D) The first provides evidence that supports the argument’s main conclusion; the second is an objection that has been raised against that main conclusion.
(E) The first and the second are each claims that have been advanced in support of a position opposed by the argument.