| Critical Reasoning Butler: April 2026 |
| June 12 | CR 1 | CR 2 |
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CR 1 When parts of the skeleton of a Neanderthal male were assembled together recently, by scientists they noticed a fatal rib wound. They assumed that it was the result of a hunting accident or a conflict with a fellow Neanderthal. But modern research indicates that this Neanderthal may have been killed by a human being.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion drawn by the researchers?
A. Neanderthals only hunted in the forests, using thrusting spears.
B. At that time, only humans had developed projectile weapons.
C. The Neanderthal's wound was, in all likelihood caused by a thrown spear.
D. At that time only human beings had the type of weapon that would inflict this kind of wound.
E. Neanderthals and humans often came into contact with each other.
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CR 2 Although it is commonly believed that a healthy diet consists largely of fresh produce, many nutritionists in fact recommend that certain fruits and vegetables be purchased frozen. Which of the following, if true, would most help explain the nutritionists' recommendations?
A. Fruits and vegetables are consumed on their own by some and are used in baking by others.
B. The cost of shipping frozen fruits and vegetables is generally lower than shipping them fresh.
C. Cold storage technology has increased the storage life of apples to almost a year.
D. Frozen produce, unlike fresh, is picked at its peak and thus contains a richer nutritional profile.
E. Nutritionists' advice tends to be distorted and reframed by the media.