6. Assumption Fam: Evaluate the Argument and Find the Flaw Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the key words that identify an “Evaluate the Argument” question?
“evaluate” or synonym
“determine” or synonym
“useful to know” or “important to know”
“establish”
How do you distinguish between a “Find the Flaw” question and a “Weaken” question?
Flaw: Contains “flaw” but NO “if true” language
Weaken: Contains “flaw” AND “if true” language
What are the 5 types of questions in the Assumption Family?
Find the Assumption
Strengthen
Weaken
Evaluate the Argument
Find the Flaw
What are the key components that ALL assumption arguments contain?
A core: conclusion + major premise(s) that lead to it
At least one unstated assumption
What is an assumption in logical reasoning?
Something an author must believe to be true in order to draw their conclusion. Assumptions are NOT stated explicitly in the argument.
What is the “Strengthen/Weaken Strategy” for Evaluate questions?
The correct answer should offer two different paths:
One that would strengthen the argument
One that would weaken the argument
You’re looking for a question that could go either way.
What is the 4-step approach for Evaluate questions?
Find the core (conclusion + major premises)
Brainstorm questions/additional info needed
Look for similar answer choices
Test: Does it offer strengthen/weaken paths?
In the MillCo example, why was “How will revenues be affected?” the key question?
Because profits = revenues - costs. The argument only addressed costs going down but ignored potential revenue impacts. If revenues drop significantly, the plan could fail despite cost reductions.
What makes an Evaluate answer choice correct?
It must create two scenarios:
If the answer goes one way → argument strengthened
If the answer goes the other way → argument weakened
How are Find the Flaw questions the “reverse” of Find the Assumption questions?
Find Assumption: Pick what the author assumes is true
Find Flaw: Pick what shows why believing that assumption is flawed thinking
What type of language do Find the Flaw answer choices typically use?
More abstract language such as:
“fails to consider (or establish)”
“does not specify (or identify)”
Similar abstract phrasings
In the Pierre/Shelley flu example, what was the assumption vs. the flaw?
Assumption: Only Pierre could have infected Shelley
Flaw: “Author fails to consider alternate paths by which Shelley could have become infected”
What is an “Irrelevant Distinction or Comparison” trap answer?
An answer choice that discusses something mentioned in the argument but doesn’t actually test the strength of the specific argument being made, or discusses alternative plans when you were asked about the given plan.
What is a “Reverse Logic” trap in Find the Flaw questions?
An answer choice that actually strengthens the argument instead of identifying a flaw that weakens it.
What should you avoid in “No Effect on the Conclusion” trap answers?
Answer choices that seem relevant but don’t actually strengthen or weaken the conclusion. They might discuss related topics but have no impact on whether the specific recommendation is good or bad.
What’s the recommended time limit for practicing these question types?
2 minutes per question. If you get stuck, pick an answer before reading the explanation to practice real test conditions.
What should you do if your predicted answer isn’t among the choices?
Be flexible - the correct answer may not match exactly what you predicted. Look for answer choices that capture the essence of what you identified, even if worded differently.
What’s the key difference between answer choices in Evaluate vs. Flaw questions?
Evaluate: Answer choices are questions or “one way or the other” statements about new information
Flaw: Answer choices are more abstract, describing what the author “fails to consider”
In the food allergy example, why was choice (E) correct for the Evaluate question?
Because it tests whether the author’s plan will work:
If ingesting small amounts IS sufficient to provoke reactions → plan works
If ingesting small amounts is NOT sufficient → plan doesn’t work
What should you focus on when the question asks you to evaluate a specific plan or recommendation?
Don’t get distracted by alternative approaches. Focus on what information would help determine whether the GIVEN plan/recommendation will succeed or fail.
What are the cheat sheet steps for both Evaluate and Flaw questions?
Identify the Question (look for key words)
Deconstruct the Argument (find conclusion, premises, assumptions)
State the Goal (strengthen/weaken for Evaluate; undermine conclusion for Flaw)
Work from Wrong to Right (eliminate trap answers)
