QUESTION 6

Assuming the premises in the following argument are true, do they support the causal conclusion? Explain your answer.

(10 marks)

Recent research suggests that practicing origami (the traditional Japanese art of paper folding) could lead to increased literacy and numeracy skills for primary school children. Researchers worked with schools in Victoria to offer origami as a weekly recreational activity for year 3 students for two terms. In total, five classes participated, totalling 100 students. At the end of the two terms, the children took the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test, which measures literacy and numeracy skills. Results showed that all but 6 students from the classes that were offered origami as a recreational activity had achieved above-average scores on that test. The researchers believe that the high scores can be explained by an increased ability to focus promoted by time spent making neat folds.

QUESTION 5

Read the passage below. Identify and state the sample, population and target property used in the study and explain whether the evidence presented supports the conclusions drawn by the researchers. Be precise in describing all reasons as to why you think the conclusion is or is not supported.

(10 marks)

In order to determine how much alcohol older Australians (50 years or older) consume in a year, Liquorland, a liquor retailer, conducted an in-store survey. 500 randomly selected Liquorland customers were approached and asked if they were 50 or older to qualify for participation. They were offered a $20 Liquorland gift card for participating. As such, 438 customers participated in the survey. The survey asked participants for their Liquorland loyalty card number, which allows customers to receive promotional pricing. Liquorland used this number to check their purchases for the last year. Liquorland then calculated how many standard drinks each of those customer had purchased during that period. They concluded that Australians aged 50 years or older consume an average of 883 standard drinks a year.

QUESTION 4

Read the passage below and

(a) identify and state the main conclusion of the article;

(b) identify and state ALL of the claims that are relevant for the argument leading to that conclusion and at the same time are supported only by an appeal to authority (and not by a sub-argument), and

(c) choose ONE of those claims supported only by an appeal to authority identified in (b) and state again what the claim is and whether you accept the claim on the source’s word, explaining your answer.

(10 marks)

Scorpios will see their health improve in 2025! It's common for people to make New Year's resolutions, and statistics have shown that 79% of these resolutions concern improving health. These same statistics report only 4% of people actually following through with these goals, and according to professional astrologer and psychic Evan Nathaniel Grim, one zodiac sign whose health will improve in 2025 may just be part of that small percentage.

"Saturn and Neptune will enter their sixth house, joining Chiron and amplifying the call to master their daily wellness and health practices," Grim explained. "The position of transiting Saturn represents the area of our life where we can face challenges or delays, but also represents possibilities for great achievements."

Scorpio, expect 2025 to be filled with encouraging energy! According to Grim, strength training is appealing for Scorpios throughout 2025 as the zodiac sign's main goal is to achieve long-term results, and the astrologer noted that with hard work, you will be successful.

Adapted from “The One Zodiac Sign Whose Health Improves In 2025, According To An Astrologer”, yourtango.com, Accessed May 2026

Background Information on Evan Nathaniel Grim:

Evan Nathaniel Grim is a professional astrologer and psychic who discusses astrology on social media. He has more than 450,000 followers on TikTok and 320,000 on Instagram. He also offers personalised astrological readings on his own website.

Reflect on your experience in the brave conversation exercise (350 words, +10% ok). Some of these questions might help you to structure your response: How did you reason and respond during the discussion, both as a speaker and as a listener? If you like, you can also focus only on one role to go into more depth. Try to identify at least one moment where you became aware of your emotions, defensiveness, assumptions, or cognitive biases. What did you find challenging or surprising about listening without inserting your own view? What did you find challenging or surprising as a speaker having to come up with an argument? What would you like to improve in future conversations?

Reflect

on your experience in the brave conversation exercise (~350 words)

Don't worry too much about polished language,

however, keep an academic tone - we are interested in what you learned and your

ability to personally reflect on your experience.