QUESTION 6

Assuming the premises in the

following argument are true, do they support the causal

(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.