Exam 3: Cost Volume Profit Analysis and Pricing Decisions

Using a name or description of an item that you can't point to, provide a definition by example for "abstraction." If you have difficulty doing so, try to identify the source of the trouble.

Arrange the lettered items below in order of increasingly favorable emotive meaning. Instructor and/or students may want to fuss about some of our rankings in these problems. We've said (a) = (b) when (a) and (b) seem equally favorable to us. I've known Hawthorne for twenty years, and you're right, he's a. domineering. b. masterful. c. lordly. d. overbearing. e. dictatorial. f. bossy.

Considering the context in which it was most likely uttered, would you say the following claim is ambiguous, too vague, or neither? "... and my house is on the right-hand side of the street."

Criticize the following claim based on the material from Chapter 3 of the text. "The enormity of what's taken place is sinking in now."-George Bush, just after his election to the presidency

Considering the context in which it was most likely uttered, would you say the following claim is ambiguous, too vague, or neither? Doctor: The arrhythmia you are experiencing indicates that you should lay off jogging for a while.

Classify the following definition according to its use: to reduce vagueness, to introduce or explain a new or unusual word, to evoke an attitude about something, or to accomplish some other purpose. Marriage is paying an endless visit in your worst clothes.-J. B.Priestly

For the following, indicate whether the definition given is by example, by synonym, or analytical: "Epistemologist" means a philosopher or other intellectual who studies the nature of knowledge.

Classify the following: "Consumption is an old word for tuberculosis."

Determine whether the following claim is too vague in the context that is stated or implied: Watch out for the boss; he's grumpy today.

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example, by synonym, or analytical: Meat that contains larval worms is said to be measly.

Classify the following definition according to its use: to reduce vagueness, to introduce or explain a new or unusual word, to evoke an attitude about something, or to accomplish some other purpose. When we use the word "argument" in this class, we'll mean a set of claims, one of which is supported by the others.

Rank the claims in the following set from general to least vague. a. The students with the most points at the end of the semester will get the best grades. b. The top 10 percent of the class will receive "A's". c. Everybody whose average is 90 or above will get an A.d.The class will be graded on a curve.e.Grading will be relatively tough in this course.

For the following, indicate whether the definition given is by example, by synonym, or analytical: Happiness is having your own DVD burner.

For "feminist," provide an analytical definition that is flattering.

Using a name or description of an item that you can't point to, provide a definition by example for "genius." If you have difficulty doing so, try to identify the source of the trouble.

Classify the following: "To fledge an arrow is to fletch or feather it."

Identify any unnecessary and potentially offensive references to gender, race, or other features in the following passage and, as necessary, rewrite the passage in neutral language. Another crime news item: "Authorities who were investigating the Eastgate Mall burglaries last night arrested Lewis Thompkins, a black man about twenty-five years old."

Determine whether the following claim is too vague in the context that is stated or implied: One father, speaking to another: "I read recently that young children who are required to do chores around the house tend to grow up to be happier, more secure adults than children who have everything done for them."

Determine whether the following claim is too vague in the context that is stated or implied: Said at a party: "What did I think of the concert? I thought it was pretty good. You should have been there."

Evaluate the following claim, paying particular attention to problems of clarity. Note that claims may also present problems of knowability, though we don't address knowability per se in this chapter. Digital recordings may be all the rage these days, but every serious audiophile knows that a good analog disc played on a music system of high quality is better than even the best digital version.