Causal Reasoning – Plant properties: “Jade plant has thick leaves and it requires little water.” Decide which conclusions follow logically: (I) All plants with thick leaves require little water; (II) Jade plants can be grown where water is not abundant.

Verbal Reasoning Statement and Conclusion Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Only conclusion I follows
  • B
    Only conclusion II follows
  • C
    Either I or II follows
  • D
    Neither I nor II follows
  • E
    Both I and II follow

Answer

Correct Answer: Only conclusion II follows

Explanation

Given data

  • Observation about one species: Jade has thick leaves and low water requirement.
  • Conclusion I: Universal generalization for all thick-leaf plants.
  • Conclusion II: Practical cultivation feasibility in low-water regions.

Concept/ApproachFrom a single example, universal generalizations are invalid. However, the cited property (low water need) supports a practical conclusion for that species.

Step-by-step evaluation• I overgeneralizes from one plant to all plants—this is a classic fallacy of hasty generalization. It does not follow.• II uses the specific trait (requires little water) to infer suitability in water-scarce areas. This is a reasonable, direct implication → II follows.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing an existence claim (“Jade has…”) with a universal rule (“All plants have…”).

Final AnswerOnly conclusion II follows.

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