PLS2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 9 SEPT 2026
QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS
1 Describe briefly what critical reasoning is. [3 to 4 sentences]
Critical reasoning involves the ability to actively and skilfully conceptualise, analyse, and
question ideas and beliefs (Study Guide, 2022: 10). It can be defined as "active,
reflective and informed thinking that involves the ability to deliberately and skilfully
question, analyse, interpret and evaluate ideas and beliefs in the light of reasons, or
evidence, which support them" (Study Guide, 2022: 10). Critical reasoning is the
opposite of dogma, as it requires questioning ideas and beliefs rather than accepting
them without active thought or criticism (Study Guide, 2022: 10). It empowers
individuals to think for themselves and make well-reasoned decisions (Study Guide,
2022: 11).
,1.2 Identify the type of writings used in these passages (simply state them)
1.2.1 (2)
Descriptive writing
The passage from Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart constructs a language-based
picture of the New Yam festival, describing the event, the traditions, and the activities of
the people (Study Guide, 2022: 19). It paints a picture with words rather than presenting
an argument or telling a story in the narrative sense.
1.2.2 (2)
Argumentative writing
This passage presents a position (rhino dehorning is the best option to protect rhinos)
which is defended through argument with reasons provided in support of the stance
(Study Guide, 2022: 21). The author argues for a particular solution to the problem of
rhino poaching.
1.3 Identify the premise indicators in each of the following arguments below
(simply state them)
1.3.1 (2)
After all
"After all" is a premise indicator that signals a reason is being provided in support of the
conclusion (Study Guide, 2022: 31). The conclusion is that the Food and Drug
Administration should stop cigarette sales immediately, and the premise following "after
all" provides the supporting reason.
1.3.2 (2)
, For
"For" is a premise indicator that introduces the reasons supporting the conclusion
(Study Guide, 2022: 31). In this passage from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius uses
"for" to introduce the reasons why one should neither borrow nor lend.
1.4 What informal fallacy can be identified in each of the following passages?
Simply state the name of the fallacy.
1.4.1 (2)
Complex question also known as Loaded question
This fallacy occurs when two or more questions are disguised as one question (Study
Guide, 2022: 63). The King's question to the messenger ("Who did you pass on the
road?") presupposes that the messenger passed someone, and when the messenger
answers "Nobody", the King twists this into an admission that "Nobody" is a person.
1.4.2 (2)
Complex question also known as Loaded question
This fallacy is committed when a question has "an unfair or questionable assumption"
(Study Guide, 2022: 63). The lawyer's question ("When last did you steal something
from your neighbour?") presupposes that the accused is indeed a thief who has stolen
from their neighbour, forcing the accused to admit to theft regardless of how they
answer.
1.4.3 (2)
False dilemma also known as False dichotomy or Excluded middle
DUE 9 SEPT 2026
QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS
1 Describe briefly what critical reasoning is. [3 to 4 sentences]
Critical reasoning involves the ability to actively and skilfully conceptualise, analyse, and
question ideas and beliefs (Study Guide, 2022: 10). It can be defined as "active,
reflective and informed thinking that involves the ability to deliberately and skilfully
question, analyse, interpret and evaluate ideas and beliefs in the light of reasons, or
evidence, which support them" (Study Guide, 2022: 10). Critical reasoning is the
opposite of dogma, as it requires questioning ideas and beliefs rather than accepting
them without active thought or criticism (Study Guide, 2022: 10). It empowers
individuals to think for themselves and make well-reasoned decisions (Study Guide,
2022: 11).
,1.2 Identify the type of writings used in these passages (simply state them)
1.2.1 (2)
Descriptive writing
The passage from Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart constructs a language-based
picture of the New Yam festival, describing the event, the traditions, and the activities of
the people (Study Guide, 2022: 19). It paints a picture with words rather than presenting
an argument or telling a story in the narrative sense.
1.2.2 (2)
Argumentative writing
This passage presents a position (rhino dehorning is the best option to protect rhinos)
which is defended through argument with reasons provided in support of the stance
(Study Guide, 2022: 21). The author argues for a particular solution to the problem of
rhino poaching.
1.3 Identify the premise indicators in each of the following arguments below
(simply state them)
1.3.1 (2)
After all
"After all" is a premise indicator that signals a reason is being provided in support of the
conclusion (Study Guide, 2022: 31). The conclusion is that the Food and Drug
Administration should stop cigarette sales immediately, and the premise following "after
all" provides the supporting reason.
1.3.2 (2)
, For
"For" is a premise indicator that introduces the reasons supporting the conclusion
(Study Guide, 2022: 31). In this passage from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius uses
"for" to introduce the reasons why one should neither borrow nor lend.
1.4 What informal fallacy can be identified in each of the following passages?
Simply state the name of the fallacy.
1.4.1 (2)
Complex question also known as Loaded question
This fallacy occurs when two or more questions are disguised as one question (Study
Guide, 2022: 63). The King's question to the messenger ("Who did you pass on the
road?") presupposes that the messenger passed someone, and when the messenger
answers "Nobody", the King twists this into an admission that "Nobody" is a person.
1.4.2 (2)
Complex question also known as Loaded question
This fallacy is committed when a question has "an unfair or questionable assumption"
(Study Guide, 2022: 63). The lawyer's question ("When last did you steal something
from your neighbour?") presupposes that the accused is indeed a thief who has stolen
from their neighbour, forcing the accused to admit to theft regardless of how they
answer.
1.4.3 (2)
False dilemma also known as False dichotomy or Excluded middle
