56 Unit 2 Critical thinking: the basics
2 Train fares differ enormously, with the
most expensive always applying when
people have to commute to and from
work, and when the trains are most
crowded. Some call this a cynical and
unfair policy because it exploits the fact
that commuters have to travel then, and
will pay whatever is charged and put up
with the over-crowding because there
is no alternative. But it is perfectly fair,
as well as necessary, to do this. For one
thing it is simply market forces at work.
For another it is the only way the system
can function at a profit. During off-peak
periods people are travelling from choice
and would not travel at all if there were
no cheap fares. But the cheap fares
would not be economical for the
transport companies unless they can
be subsidised by high fares at peak
times.
Which of the following best expresses the
conclusion of the argument?A It is fair and necessary to charge
commuters the highest fares.
B Charging commuters peak rates is the
only system that will work.
C It is cynical and unfair to charge
commuters more than other travellers.
D Train companies exploit commuters
because they have to travel at peak
times.
E Cheap fares would not be economical
without the subsidy of peak-time fares.Consider each of the following arguments,
then answer the multiple-choice question
which follows. There is only one correct
answer to each question.
As well as answering the question, justify
your selection by saying why you think it is
the right one, and why the others are wrong.
This will help you to improve your scores in
multiple-choice tests, and your analysis skills
generally.
1 When cities become congested with
traffic, the usual solution is to make
a charge for bringing a car into the
centre. This works, but it is wrong to
do it, because it discriminates in favour
of those who can easily afford to pay.
The less well-off in society are penalised
so that the rich can enjoy the luxury
of clear streets. Therefore congestion
charges everywhere should be abolished.
A system of rationing car use should be
introduced instead, allowing each driver
into the city just once or twice per week.
Then everyone benefits equally.
Which of the following expresses the main
conclusion of the argument?A The usual solution to congestion is
charging to drive cars into the city
centre.
B It is wrong to charge drivers because it
discriminates in favour of the rich.
C Rationing car use should be brought in
to replace congestion charges.
D Everyone would benefit from an
abolition of congestion charges.End-of-chapter assignments