What is deductive reasoning? A. A method of argument that starts with a general idea and then
uses specific examples or known facts to support that idea
B. A way of thinking about individuals in a group that is based on
biases, stereotypes, or insufficient evidence
C. A type of argument that starts from a specific idea and builds on it
to reach a more general conclusion
O D. A method of argument that uses facts, evidence, and data to
convince an audience of its logic

Read the excerpt from “strychnine in the soup,” in which mr. mulliner explains the ending of a mystery novel to a bar patron who is anxious to know the conclusion of the story. “the plumber forgot his snake and had to go back for it,” explained mr. mulliner. ‘‘i trust that this revelation will prove sedative.” “i feel a new man,” said the draught stout. “i’d have lain awake worrying about that murder all night.” explain how a student who did not know the meaning of sedative could infer its definition?