5. Assumption Fam: Strengthen and Weaken Arguments Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the core structure of all Assumption Family arguments?
All assumption arguments contain a “core” consisting of:
A conclusion
Major premise(s) that lead to it
At least one unstated assumption
What’s the fundamental difference between Strengthen and Weaken questions?
Strengthen: Find NEW info that provides evidence to SUPPORT an assumption
Weaken: Find NEW info that ATTACKS an assumption (shows it’s invalid)
Name 3 common language patterns for Strengthen questions
“Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?”
“Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the mayor’s claim?”
“Provide the best basis or best reason for”
Name 3 common language patterns for Weaken questions
“Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the conclusion?”
“Which of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the validity of the argument?”
“Which of the following, if true, most strongly calls into question the author’s conclusion?”
What are the 4 steps of the strategic approach for Strengthen/Weaken questions?
- Read the Stimulus
- Deconstruct the Argument (find conclusion, premises, assumptions)
- Identify the Question (look for key language)
- State the Goal (strengthen or weaken the conclusion)
- Work from Wrong to Right (eliminate systematically)
What is the most dangerous trap answer type in Strengthen/Weaken questions?
Reverse Logic Trap - The answer does the OPPOSITE of what’s asked:
Question asks to strengthen → trap answer weakens
Question asks to weaken → trap answer strengthens
What does “if true” mean in answer choices?
Accept the information in the answer choice as factual. You don’t need to question whether the statement itself is true - assume it is and evaluate its impact on the argument.
Are Fill in the Blank (FitB) questions a separate question type?
No - FitB questions are NOT a separate type. They can be any existing question type presented in FitB format. Most FitB questions are actually Strengthen questions.
In FitB questions, what’s a key indicator that it’s a Strengthen question?
Look for “since” or “because” just before the blank. This usually indicates you need to strengthen the conclusion that comes before the blank.
What’s the difference between regular Weaken questions and Weaken EXCEPT questions?
Regular: Find ONE answer that weakens (pick that choice)
EXCEPT: Four answers weaken, one doesn’t (pick the odd one out - the one that does NOT weaken)
What are 4 common ways Weaken questions attack arguments?
Causation: Provide alternate cause for the situation
Plan: Present unexpected cost or reason plan won’t work
Prediction: Discuss circumstances that might affect the prediction
Profit: Provide info about costs/revenues not discussed in argument
What is the “No Tie to Argument” trap?
Answer addresses something mentioned in a premise but doesn’t actually affect the conclusion. It may sound relevant but doesn’t impact the specific chain of logic.
In EXCEPT questions, what strategy should you use to find the right answer?
Use the “odd one out” strategy:
Label choices as S (Strengthen), W (Weaken), or N (Neutral)
Find the one choice that doesn’t do what the other four do
Remember: the correct answer doesn’t necessarily strengthen - it just doesn’t weaken
Can right answers in Strengthen/Weaken questions introduce completely new concepts?
Yes! Don’t eliminate an answer just because it introduces new information. What matters is whether the new information has a logical connection to the conclusion (like “regular customers” being relevant to profitability).
What’s the “Wrong Scope” trap in Strengthen/Weaken questions?
Answer talks about a different group of people or situations than what the argument addresses. Example: Discussing prospective hires when the argument is specifically about current employees.
What should you do if you’re unsure whether a FitB question is Strengthen or another type?
When in doubt, assume it’s a Strengthen question, since Fill in the Blank is almost always Strengthen. Look for “since” or “because” before the blank as confirmation.
What makes an answer choice “right” in Strengthen/Weaken questions?
The answer must have a logical connection to the conclusion - not just mention topics from the argument. It should either make the conclusion more likely (Strengthen) or less likely (Weaken) to be valid.
Why is it important to identify assumptions in Strengthen/Weaken questions?
Because Strengthen questions provide evidence to SUPPORT key assumptions, while Weaken questions ATTACK those same assumptions. Finding the assumptions is crucial to predicting what the right answer will do.
What’s the most important thing to remember about EXCEPT questions on test day?
You’re looking for the answer that does NOT do what the question asks. If it’s “weaken EXCEPT,” find the one that doesn’t weaken. Don’t accidentally pick the answer that weakens the most!
