| Critical Reasoning Butler: November 2025 |
| November 5 | CR 1 | CR 2 |
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CR 1 The incidence of suicide in the country of Travonia has increased dramatically in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that since the introduction of several nonprescription brands of sleeping pills, the number of deaths from overdoses alone has nearly doubled. However, certain types of suicides have not increased in number during this period. It is true that elderly suicides have seen a greater than 70 percent increase, but teen suicides now account for only 30 percent of all suicides in the country. This is a significant decrease over 1985, when teen cases represented 65 percent of all country-wide suicides.
The assertion that suicides are increasing in Travonia is most justified if which of the following is assumed?
(A) The elderly suffered the greatest number of overdoses from the nonprescription sleeping pills.
(B) Overdosing on sleeping pills was not the most pervasive method of suicide in Travonia ten years ago.
(C) The number of deaths from natural causes in Travonia has decreased in recent years.
(D) The majority of deaths resulting from overdosing on non-prescription sleeping pills were not accidental.
(E) Travonia's suicide rate is higher than the world-wide average suicide rate.
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CR 2 In a well-known karaoke club, a professional singer was hired to assist guests who had trouble staying in tune with the songs they were attempting to sing. On the first night, this caused discomfort to many of the guests who upon hearing their voices alongside that of the professional, suddenly lost confidence and felt embarrassed. On the second night, the number of singing guests who felt embarrassed by the professional's assistance was lower. Therefore, the club should not cease the employment of the professional singer, as in time the guests' discomfort will have diminished completely.
The author's conclusion relies on which of the following assumptions?
(A) The popularity of a karaoke club does not depend on the standard of vocal capability displayed by the guests.
(B) Employing a professional singer is not necessarily expensive.
(C) The suggestion to hire a professional singer was first made by the guests themselves.
(D) The guests' discomfort is caused by low self-esteem and a habit of comparing themselves with others.
(E) Most of the guests visiting the club are returning customers.