GMAT Verbal CR 問題集（40問）
TOEIC 700 から GMAT V40+ を目指す Critical Reasoning 問題集。 構成：易12問（30%）→ 中16問（40%）→ 難12問（30%）。 8つの設問タイプを網羅：Strengthen / Weaken / Assumption / Inference / Paradox / Evaluate / Method / Boldface。
使い方
CR の鉄則
- Stem を最初に読む：何が問われているか（Strengthen? Weaken? など）を確定してからスティミュラスへ。
- 論証構造を分解：前提（Premise）→ 結論（Conclusion）。結論は通常 "therefore / thus / so / hence" の後、または最後の文。
- 論証の弱点を予測：選択肢を見る前に、どこを攻めれば／支えれば良いかを 10 秒で考える。
- 罠選択肢の典型：
- 範囲外（out of scope）
- 結論を支持／攻撃しているように見えるが実は前提を擁護しているだけ
- 過剰な一般化／断定
- 結論を繰り返しているだけ（reverse engineering）
時間配分
- 易: 1.5分以内
- 中: 2分以内
- 難: 2.5分以内
8タイプ別の戦略
| タイプ | キーワード | 戦略 |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthen | "most strengthens / supports" | 前提と結論を結ぶ橋を補強する選択肢 |
| Weaken | "most weakens / undermines" | 結論を覆す代替原因／反例を探す |
| Assumption | "assumes / required / depends" | 否定法（Negation Test）：選択肢を否定して結論が崩れたら正解 |
| Inference | "must be true / can be inferred" | 本文から論理的に必ず導ける選択肢 |
| Paradox | "explain / resolve / reconcile" | 二つの矛盾事象を両立させる第三要因 |
| Evaluate | "useful to evaluate / determine" | 答えが Yes/No によって結論の評価が変わる質問 |
| Method | "technique / how the argument proceeds" | 論証の構造を抽象化して記述 |
| Boldface | "bolded portion plays what role" | 各太字部分が前提か結論か中間判断かを識別 |
目次
| タイプ | 問題数 | 難度配分 |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthen | 6問 | 易2・中3・難1 |
| Weaken | 6問 | 易2・中3・難1 |
| Assumption | 6問 | 易2・中2・難2 |
| Inference | 5問 | 易2・中2・難1 |
| Paradox | 5問 | 易2・中2・難1 |
| Evaluate | 4問 | 中2・難2 |
| Method of Reasoning | 4問 | 中2・難2 |
| Boldface | 4問 | 中2・難2 |
| 合計 | 40問 | 易12・中16・難12 |
1. Strengthen（強化）
Q-CR-S-001（易）
Studies show employees who take regular breaks are 25% more productive than those who don't. Therefore, companies should mandate at least two 15-minute breaks per workday.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion?
(A) Most employees prefer flexible schedules. (B) Companies that have implemented mandatory break policies have seen significant increases in overall productivity. (C) Some studies suggest breaks longer than 15 minutes are even more beneficial. (D) Employee retention is higher in companies with relaxed break policies. (E) Many employees already take informal breaks throughout the day.
解答: (B) 論証分解: 前提「ブレイク取得者は25%生産性高い」→ 結論「マンダトリー化すべき」 正解理由: B はマンダトリー化と生産性向上の因果関係を直接示す実証データ。 罠: A 望ましさは結論と無関係。C 長さは別論点。D 結論と逆方向。E 「既に取っている」なら強制不要 → むしろ弱体化。
Q-CR-S-002（易）
A new vaccine reduces the risk of disease X by 90% in clinical trials. Therefore, mass vaccination would virtually eliminate disease X in the general population.
Which most strengthens?
(A) Disease X has been studied for decades. (B) The vaccine produces no severe side effects. (C) The trial population was demographically representative of the general population. (D) Disease X mostly affects elderly people. (E) Other vaccines have been successful.
解答: (C) 論証: 試験集団 → 一般集団 への一般化を支える前提が必要。 正解理由: C は試験結果が一般集団に当てはまることを保証。 罠: A 知名度は無関係。B 副作用は別問題。D 範囲を狭める情報。E 他事例は弱い類推。
Q-CR-S-003（中）
The city of Vermilion claims that its new traffic management system has reduced commute times. After installing the system, average commute times fell from 35 minutes to 28 minutes.
Which most strengthens the city's claim?
(A) Vermilion's population grew by 5% during the same period. (B) Neighboring cities without the new system saw commute times remain unchanged. (C) Vermilion has more roads per capita than the national average. (D) The system was funded by federal grants. (E) Most Vermilion residents commute to work by car.
解答: (B) 論証: 「システム導入 → commute time 短縮」の因果を示すには代替原因（一般的な交通量低下など）を排除する対照群が必要。 正解理由: B は対照群の変化なし → システムが原因という因果を強化。 罠: A 人口増は逆に時間短縮を困難にする要因（影響を打ち消すから強化とも取れるが、対照群の方が直接的）。
Q-CR-S-004（中）
A study found that people who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than those who skip it. Health officials concluded that eating breakfast helps reduce body weight.
Which most strengthens?
(A) Breakfast eaters tend to consume fewer calories overall throughout the day than skippers. (B) Most breakfast eaters also exercise regularly. (C) Skipping breakfast has been a tradition in some cultures. (D) Many fitness magazines recommend breakfast. (E) Some studies show breakfast skippers feel more alert.
解答: (A) 論証: 「朝食 → 体重減」 因果を強化。総カロリー摂取の減少経路は因果メカニズムを示す。 罠: B は交絡変数（運動）を導入し、因果を弱める。E は逆方向。
Q-CR-S-005（中）
A pharmaceutical company introduced a new painkiller. Sales rose 30% in the first quarter. The CEO claims the marketing campaign was responsible.
Which most strengthens the CEO's claim?
(A) The company's other products saw no sales change. (B) The new painkiller is priced 10% lower than competitors. (C) Marketing expenditure was the highest in company history. (D) Sales of the painkiller fell sharply when the marketing campaign ended. (E) Customer satisfaction surveys show high approval.
解答: (D) 論証: 因果は「マーケ → 売上」。マーケ停止後に売上が落ちれば、強い因果証拠。 罠: B は代替原因（価格）を提示し弱体化。C は支出額であり売上との因果ではない。
Q-CR-S-006（難）
Researchers note that countries with high tax rates tend to have higher levels of public service quality. They conclude that increasing taxes improves public services.
Which most strengthens?
(A) Public service quality is difficult to measure. (B) Countries that experimentally raised taxes for public services subsequently saw measurable improvements in service quality. (C) High-tax countries also tend to be wealthier. (D) Some low-tax countries have excellent public services. (E) Tax revenue is partly used for defense.
解答: (B) 論証: 相関 → 因果 を主張。実験的（時間的）証拠で因果を強化。 罠: C は交絡変数（富）を導入し弱体化。D は反例で弱体化。
2. Weaken（弱体化）
Q-CR-W-001（易）
The government plans to reduce traffic congestion by building more roads. Since congestion has worsened over the past decade, this plan should significantly improve the situation.
Which most weakens?
(A) Building roads is expensive. (B) Other cities have failed using similar measures. (C) Studies show that adding road capacity often induces additional traffic, ultimately offsetting any reduction in congestion. (D) Public transportation is more sustainable. (E) The government has limited budget.
解答: (C) 論証: 「道路追加 → 渋滞減」。Induced demand 効果が結論を直接覆す。 罠: A B は実行可能性の問題で論理を覆すわけではない。D は別解の提案で論証への直接攻撃ではない。
Q-CR-W-002（易）
A consultant claims that companies adopting Strategy X always achieve higher profits. As evidence, he cites 10 successful firms that adopted Strategy X.
Which most weakens?
(A) Strategy X has been used since the 1990s. (B) Many other firms adopted Strategy X and went bankrupt. (C) Strategy X requires significant initial investment. (D) The 10 firms operated in different industries. (E) Some industries are more profitable than others.
解答: (B) 論証: 「X → 高利益」を覆すには、X を採用しても失敗した事例の存在で十分。
Q-CR-W-003（中）
A school district reported that students who participated in after-school programs scored higher on standardized tests. The superintendent concludes that after-school programs should be made mandatory.
Which most weakens?
(A) After-school programs are expensive. (B) Students who choose to participate in after-school programs already tend to be more academically motivated than non-participants. (C) The superintendent has no children of her own. (D) Some after-school programs focus on athletics rather than academics. (E) Standardized tests are imperfect measures of learning.
解答: (B) 論証: 自選バイアス（self-selection bias）の指摘 → プログラム自体の効果ではなく、もともとモチベーションが高い生徒が参加していた可能性。
Q-CR-W-004（中）
A new diet pill led to an average weight loss of 5 kg in 8 weeks during clinical trials. The manufacturer claims the pill is therefore an effective weight-loss tool for the public.
Which most weakens?
(A) Trial participants were also required to follow a strict low-calorie diet and exercise regimen. (B) The pill is FDA-approved. (C) The pill costs $50 per month. (D) Some other diet pills are less effective. (E) The trial was conducted at a single location.
解答: (A) 論証: 体重減の原因が薬ではなく食事・運動である可能性 → 薬の独立した効果は不明。
Q-CR-W-005（中）
Critics argue that the rise in social media use has caused a corresponding rise in teen anxiety. They cite data showing both have grown over the past decade.
Which most weakens?
(A) Anxiety has many causes. (B) During the same decade, teen anxiety rose equally in countries where social media use barely changed. (C) Some social media platforms have anti-bullying features. (D) Teen anxiety also rose before social media was widespread. (E) Adults also experience anxiety.
解答: (B) 論証: 国際比較で SNS 使用に変化なくとも不安が上昇 → SNS が原因という主張を直接覆す。 罠: D は弱い反論（過去にも上昇したからといって、現在の SNS 因果を否定するわけではない）。
Q-CR-W-006（中）
A company's CEO declared that her new training program reduced workplace accidents by 40% last year. She concludes the program should be expanded company-wide.
Which most weakens?
(A) The training program was implemented in only the safest department. (B) The training program was praised by employees. (C) The CEO has been with the company for 10 years. (D) Other companies use similar programs. (E) The training program was free.
解答: (A) 論証: 最も事故が少ない部署で導入 → 既に低かった事故が「程度」の見え方になっただけかもしれない。Selection bias の指摘。
Q-CR-W-007（難）
Researchers found that towns with more dentists have lower rates of cavities. They conclude that increasing the number of dentists in a town will reduce its cavity rate.
Which most weakens?
(A) Dentists earn more in larger cities. (B) Towns with more dentists tend to be wealthier, and wealthier residents typically practice better dental hygiene independent of dentist visits. (C) Cavity rates have been declining nationally. (D) Some dentists specialize in surgery. (E) Dental school enrollment has dropped.
解答: (B) 論証: 交絡変数（富裕度）の指摘。富 → デンティスト密度、富 → 衛生習慣 という二経路で、デンティスト数自体は虫歯率の真の原因ではない可能性。
3. Assumption（前提）
Q-CR-A-001（易）
The mayor argues that building a new convention center will boost tourism, generating revenue that will more than cover the construction costs.
The mayor's argument depends on which assumption?
(A) Tourists will visit the convention center in numbers sufficient to generate the projected revenue. (B) Convention centers are popular nationwide. (C) The mayor will be re-elected. (D) Tourists prefer convention centers to other attractions. (E) Construction will be completed on time.
解答: (A) 否定法: 「観光客が来ない」 → 結論（収入で costs カバー）が崩壊 → 前提として必要。
Q-CR-A-002（易）
A startup CEO claims that hiring more engineers will accelerate product development.
The argument assumes:
(A) Engineers are easy to recruit. (B) The bottleneck in product development is engineering capacity, not other factors. (C) Engineers will accept the salary offered. (D) Product development is the company's only goal. (E) The CEO is qualified to hire engineers.
解答: (B) 論証: エンジニア追加 → 開発加速 が成立するには、ボトルネックがエンジニア数であることが必要。
Q-CR-A-003（中）
A pharmaceutical company tested its new drug on 1,000 patients in Country X. Based on the results, it plans to sell the drug worldwide.
The plan assumes:
(A) Patients in other countries respond similarly to the drug as those in Country X. (B) Country X has the world's strictest medical regulations. (C) The drug will be profitable. (D) Other companies will not develop competing drugs. (E) The patients in the trial were all volunteers.
解答: (A) 論証: 試験集団から世界へ一般化 → 反応の同質性が前提。
Q-CR-A-004（中）
A school principal contends that improving cafeteria food will increase student attendance, reducing absenteeism.
The argument assumes:
(A) Cafeteria food is currently bad. (B) Some students currently miss school for reasons related to cafeteria food. (C) Students will tell their parents about improvements. (D) Better food costs the same. (E) All students eat lunch at school.
解答: (B) 否定法: 「カフェテリア食が欠席原因と無関係」→ 改善しても欠席は減らない → 結論崩壊。
Q-CR-A-005（難）
Cardiologist X argues that since walking is correlated with cardiovascular health, increasing daily steps from 5,000 to 10,000 will improve heart health.
The argument assumes:
(A) The cardiovascular benefits of walking continue to scale with additional steps beyond 5,000. (B) 10,000 steps is a globally recommended target. (C) Patients are willing to walk more. (D) Walking is the only form of beneficial exercise. (E) Increased steps will not cause injury.
解答: (A) 論証: 5,000 → 10,000 へ「増やす」と健康改善という結論。これは追加歩数も限界収益が正であることを前提。 罠: B は外部基準で論理に不要。E は副作用問題で別。
Q-CR-A-006（難）
Editor Y of a literary magazine argues that since recent prize-winning novels share certain stylistic features, aspiring novelists should adopt these features to win prizes.
The argument assumes:
(A) Prize judges value the same features that recent winners exhibited. (B) Most readers like prize-winning novels. (C) Style can be learned. (D) Aspiring novelists want to win prizes. (E) Recent prize winners are also bestsellers.
解答: (A) 論証: 「特徴を持つ → 受賞」が因果関係であるためには、判定基準が安定（その特徴を評価し続ける）でなければならない。
4. Inference（推論）
Q-CR-I-001（易）
All wines produced in Region A are stored in oak barrels for at least 12 months. Some of these wines are then exported. None of the exported wines is sold under the "Region A Reserve" label, which is reserved for wines stored for at least 18 months.
Which can be inferred?
(A) Some wines stored for 12-18 months from Region A are not exported under the Reserve label. (B) All exported Region A wines are inferior. (C) Most consumers prefer Reserve label. (D) Region A wines aged 18+ months are never exported. (E) Region A produces only red wines.
解答: (A) 解説: 12〜18ヶ月の wines は Reserve ではない。それらの中に輸出されるものがあり、Reserve ではない。よって(A)が必然。
Q-CR-I-002（易）
All members of the chess club are students. Some students play the violin. No violin players are over 60 years old.
Which must be true?
(A) All chess club members play the violin. (B) Some chess club members are over 60. (C) Some students are not over 60. (D) All violin players are chess club members. (E) No students are over 60.
解答: (C) 解説: バイオリン奏者⊂学生、バイオリン奏者は60歳以下 → 60歳以下の学生が存在 → 「いくつかの学生は60歳以下」が必然。 罠: E は誤り（バイオリン以外の学生が60歳超の可能性）。
Q-CR-I-003（中）
A recent study found that all corporations in the top 10% by revenue invest at least 5% of revenue in R&D. Among the bottom 50% by revenue, fewer than 1% invest 5% or more in R&D.
Which can be inferred?
(A) High R&D investment causes high revenue. (B) Among large corporations, a high level of R&D investment is virtually universal, while it is rare among smaller corporations. (C) All high-revenue corporations were once small. (D) Without R&D investment, no corporation can grow. (E) The bottom 50% of corporations underperform their potential.
解答: (B) 解説: 上位10%は全社R&D高、下位50%はほぼ無し → 大企業では普及、小企業では稀。記述的推論で因果関係（A）は導出不可。
Q-CR-I-004（中）
No politicians who voted for Bill X have been re-elected. Some senators voted for Bill X. Senator Smith voted against Bill X.
Which must be true?
(A) Senator Smith will be re-elected. (B) Some senators have not been re-elected. (C) All senators are politicians who lose elections. (D) Bill X was unpopular. (E) Senator Smith is honest.
解答: (B) 解説: 法案賛成議員は全員 not re-elected。賛成した上院議員が存在する → not re-elected な上院議員が存在 → (B)。 罠: A は不確定（反対だからといって当選保証はない）。
Q-CR-I-005（難）
An economist's study reveals: in any year, if average inflation is above 4%, central bank interest rates rise. In years when interest rates rose, GDP growth slowed in the following year. In year Y, average inflation was 5% and GDP growth in Y+1 was 2%, down from 4% in Y.
Which can be inferred?
(A) Inflation in year Y caused GDP growth to slow. (B) Central bank interest rates rose in year Y. (C) GDP growth will continue to slow in Y+2. (D) Y had the highest inflation in a decade. (E) Without inflation, GDP would have grown faster.
解答: (B) 解説: 「インフレ4%超 → 金利上昇」+ Y のインフレ5% → Y で金利は上昇した。これは確定。 罠: A は因果の主張（推論できない、相関事実だけ）。C は将来推測で根拠なし。
5. Paradox（パラドックス解消）
Q-CR-P-001（易）
Since the introduction of seatbelt laws, average driver speeds have increased, yet the rate of fatal accidents per mile has decreased.
Which best resolves the apparent paradox?
(A) Some drivers refuse to wear seatbelts. (B) Seatbelts protect occupants in accidents, even when speeds are higher. (C) Highways are safer than city streets. (D) Modern cars are more comfortable. (E) Driver education has improved.
解答: (B) 論証: 速度上昇 vs 死亡率低下 → シートベルトの保護効果が高速化のリスクを上回る。
Q-CR-P-002（易）
A bookstore offered 30% discounts last quarter, expecting sales volume to increase. Sales volume actually decreased.
Which best resolves?
(A) Customers tend to expect even bigger discounts after seeing one. (B) Books are luxury items. (C) The store's competitor offered 50% discounts during the same period. (D) The store has been in business for 20 years. (E) Online sales of books are rising overall.
解答: (C) 解説: より大きい競合の割引で顧客が他店流出 → 売上減を説明。
Q-CR-P-003（中）
A new highway was built to reduce travel time between Cities A and B. Travel time on the highway is indeed shorter than on the old road, yet the average commute time between A and B has increased.
Which best resolves?
(A) The highway has tolls. (B) Many drivers initially used the old road and have not switched. (C) The highway induced significant new development between A and B, increasing total traffic and congesting both routes. (D) The old road is wider. (E) Some drivers prefer scenic routes.
解答: (C) 解説: ハイウェイ自体は速いが、誘発需要で全体交通増→平均通勤時間増。
Q-CR-P-004（中）
Doctors observed that patients prescribed Drug X have a higher recovery rate than patients prescribed Drug Y. Yet a controlled study showed Drug Y is more effective than Drug X.
Which best resolves?
(A) Doctors tend to prescribe Drug X to patients with milder cases of the disease, while reserving Drug Y for severe cases. (B) Drug X has fewer side effects. (C) Drug Y is more expensive. (D) Patients prefer Drug X. (E) Drug X is older.
解答: (A) 解説: 選択バイアス（severity bias）。観察データの recovery rate は薬の効力ではなく症例重症度の差を反映している。
Q-CR-P-005（難）
A nation experienced unprecedented economic growth over the past decade. Yet the percentage of citizens reporting "life satisfaction" declined.
Which best resolves?
(A) Economic growth was concentrated among the top 10% of earners, while real wages stagnated for the median worker. (B) Citizens have access to news media. (C) The country has high taxes. (D) Inflation rose during the period. (E) Other countries grew slower.
解答: (A) 解説: 集計平均 vs 中央値の解離。経済成長の恩恵が偏在 → 多数の市民は実質賃金停滞 → 満足度低下を説明。
6. Evaluate（評価）
Q-CR-E-001（中）
A study found that students who attended preschool scored higher on third-grade tests than those who did not. The school district concludes that preschool causes academic gains.
Which question, if answered, would be most useful in evaluating the conclusion?
(A) What was the average teacher salary in preschools? (B) Were the families of preschool-attending children otherwise comparable to those of non-attending children in terms of income, education, and parental involvement? (C) Did students enjoy preschool? (D) How long has preschool been mandatory? (E) What is the cost of preschool?
解答: (B) 解説: 因果を評価するには交絡変数の統制を確認することが最重要。
Q-CR-E-002（中）
The CEO claims that introducing a remote-work policy would reduce employee turnover.
Which question would be most useful?
(A) How many employees currently telecommute? (B) Among employees who recently left, how many cited inability to work remotely as a primary reason? (C) Are the company's offices comfortable? (D) Will remote workers be paid less? (E) Has the CEO ever worked remotely?
解答: (B) 解説: 「リモートワーク政策 → 離職減」を評価するには、離職原因の中でリモートワーク要因の比重を知る必要。
Q-CR-E-003（難）
Mayor proposes a $2 billion subway system, claiming it will reduce traffic congestion and revitalize downtown businesses.
Which question would be most useful in evaluating?
(A) What is the population of the city? (B) In other cities of comparable size and traffic patterns, did similar subway investments produce measurable congestion relief and downtown business growth? (C) When will construction begin? (D) Who will operate the subway? (E) Are there alternative transportation options?
解答: (B) 解説: 類似事例の効果の有無 → 主張の現実性評価に最も直結。
Q-CR-E-004（難）
Critics argue that since the price of oil has risen, gasoline prices will inevitably rise.
Which question would be most useful in evaluating?
(A) Have oil prices ever fallen? (B) Who pays for gasoline? (C) What proportion of gasoline price is determined by oil costs versus refining, transportation, and taxes? (D) Is gasoline used only in cars? (E) Will oil prices continue to rise?
解答: (C) 解説: 原油価格 → ガソリン価格の感度を知るための最重要情報。
7. Method of Reasoning（推論手法）
Q-CR-M-001（中）
A: "All birds can fly, so penguins must be able to fly because penguins are birds." B: "Penguins cannot fly, so 'all birds can fly' is false."
B's reasoning works by:
(A) attacking A's character (B) presenting a counterexample to A's premise (C) appealing to authority (D) restating A's conclusion (E) using emotional language
解答: (B) 解説: ペンギンという反例で、A の前提（all birds fly）を反証する手法。
Q-CR-M-002（中）
Mayor: "We should oppose the new tax. Our city has the third-lowest taxes in the state, and that has helped attract businesses." Critic: "But cities with the highest taxes also attract businesses if those taxes fund excellent services."
The critic's argument proceeds by:
(A) attacking the mayor's data (B) presenting an alternative causal explanation that complicates the mayor's claim (C) introducing irrelevant information (D) using deductive logic (E) appealing to popular opinion
解答: (B) 解説: 税が低いから企業誘致できるという因果に対し、税が高くてもサービス次第で誘致可能という別の因果を提示。
Q-CR-M-003（難）
Studies suggest that students who study late at night perform worse on tests. The author concludes that students should study earlier.
A critic responds: "But students who study late are often those struggling more, who have less time during the day."
The critic's reasoning is:
(A) attacking the conclusion directly (B) introducing an alternative causal explanation involving reverse causation or confounding (C) appealing to authority (D) misrepresenting the original argument (E) using analogical reasoning
解答: (B) 解説: 因果方向を逆転させる（成績不振者が遅く勉強する）あるいは交絡変数（時間制約）の指摘。
Q-CR-M-004（難）
Analyst: "Software companies that adopted Strategy A grew 30% in revenue. Therefore, all software companies should adopt Strategy A." Counter: "But Strategy A only worked for companies in expanding markets. In stagnant markets, the same strategy yielded no growth."
The counter-argument proceeds by:
(A) denying the original data (B) showing that the conclusion fails to generalize because results depended on context-specific factors (C) using ad hominem (D) introducing irrelevant cases (E) repeating the original claim
解答: (B) 解説: 結果の一般化を市場文脈の限定で攻撃する手法。
8. Boldface（太字解析）
Q-CR-B-001（中）
The board has proposed expanding to international markets. The CFO believes this expansion is too risky given the current debt levels. Despite this concern, the company's domestic market share has plateaued for three years. Therefore, expansion is necessary to sustain growth.
The two boldface portions play which roles?
(A) Both are evidence supporting the main conclusion. (B) The first is an objection considered; the second is the author's main conclusion. (C) The first supports the conclusion; the second is the conclusion. (D) Both are conclusions. (E) The first is the main conclusion; the second is evidence.
解答: (B) 解説: 第一は反対意見（CFO の懸念）、第二は著者の主張する結論。
Q-CR-B-002（中）
Many experts argue that climate change is the leading threat to global food security. While other threats exist, none has the same systemic impact. However, agricultural innovation could mitigate this threat substantially.
The two boldface portions play which roles?
(A) Both summarize the main conclusion. (B) The first is the threat being addressed; the second proposes a counterbalancing factor. (C) The first is the conclusion; the second is supporting evidence. (D) Both express objections. (E) The first is evidence; the second is the conclusion.
解答: (B) 解説: 第一は脅威の特定、第二はそれに対抗する希望ある要因の提示。
Q-CR-B-003（難）
A new tax on luxury goods has been proposed to fund public education. Some argue this would discourage consumption of luxury goods, harming employment in those industries. However, similar taxes elsewhere have shown minimal effect on luxury spending due to inelastic demand. The proposed tax is therefore likely to succeed in funding education without significant economic disruption.
The two boldface portions play which roles?
(A) The first is the policy under discussion; the second is the conclusion the author defends. (B) Both are conclusions. (C) The first is evidence for the second. (D) The first is the conclusion; the second is supporting evidence. (E) Both are objections.
解答: (A) 解説: 第一は議論対象（政策提案）、第二は著者がデータを踏まえて支持する結論。
Q-CR-B-004（難）
The widely-held view is that fast food is the primary cause of childhood obesity. Critics challenge this view by noting that childhood obesity rates rose sharply in countries with little fast food consumption. Yet defenders of the original view counter that what these countries lack in fast food they make up for in highly processed packaged foods. The debate remains unresolved.
The two boldface portions play which roles?
(A) The first is a position being examined; the second is a defense of that position against a particular criticism. (B) Both are the author's conclusions. (C) The first is evidence; the second is a conclusion. (D) The first is the main conclusion; the second is an objection. (E) Both are objections.
解答: (A) 解説: 第一は検証対象の立場、第二はその立場の擁護論（パッセージ全体は中立的に両論を提示）。
復習・進捗管理
学習サイクル推奨
| 週 | 内容 | 目標正答率 |
|---|---|---|
| 1週目 | 易12問 + 解説精読。論証分解を音読 | 80%+ |
| 2週目 | 中16問の前半 + 易再復習 | 中70%+ |
| 3週目 | 中16問の後半 + 弱点タイプ再演習 | 中80%+ |
| 4週目 | 難12問 + 全タイプの最弱点を集中演習 | 難60%+ |
| 5週目 | 全40問ランダム時間制限 | 全体80%+ |
タイプ別正答率記録
| タイプ | 正答 / 出題 | 正答率 | 弱点メモ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen | / 6 | % | |
| Weaken | / 6 | % | |
| Assumption | / 6 | % | |
| Inference | / 5 | % | |
| Paradox | / 5 | % | |
| Evaluate | / 4 | % | |
| Method | / 4 | % | |
| Boldface | / 4 | % | |
正答率 60% を切るタイプは「弱点ノート」(08_弱点ノート.md) に転記して集中対策。
CR の典型的弱点と処方箋
| 症状 | 処方箋 |
|---|---|
| 結論を見つけられない | "therefore / thus / so" を線で囲む練習 |
| 範囲外選択肢に引っかかる | 結論の主語・述語を確認、それと無関係な選択肢を即座に切る |
| Assumption 否定法ができない | 各選択肢を否定して「結論が崩れるか」を声に出す訓練 |
| Strengthen と Weaken の論理が逆転する | 各設問を解く前に「強化／弱体化」を声に出して確認 |
| 因果と相関を混同 | 「A → B」が "causes" か "correlates" かを毎回チェック |
補足：CR の英語語彙
CR の Stem に登場する頻出語彙を抑えておくと処理速度が大幅向上：
| 英語 | 意味 |
|---|---|
| undermine | 弱体化させる |
| bolster | 支える、強化する |
| underlying assumption | 暗黙の前提 |
| presupposes | 前提とする |
| account for | 説明する |
| reconcile | 矛盾を解消する |
| call into question | 疑問を投げかける |
| cast doubt on | 疑いを生じさせる |
| at odds with | と矛盾する |
| serves to | 〜に役立つ／〜の役割を果たす |
| contention / claim | 主張 |
| premise | 前提 |
| inference | 推論 |
これらは Verbal RC でも頻出。CR 練習で反復露出する → RC 速度も上がる。