Strengthen the Argument

Question 1

Strengthen Correct Answer:

1) Provides a Premise that Supports

Answer 1

An argument can be strengthened via the addition of a premise that supports the conclusion.

It’s not necessary for the premise provided by the correct answer to prove that the conclusion is definitely correct; rather the support provided by the answer choice just has to make the conclusion more likely to be true.

Question 2

Strengthen Correct Answer:

2) Explicitly States an Assumption

Answer 2

An argument can be strengthened via the explicit stating of an unstated assumption upon which the argument relies.

Question 3

Strengthen Correct Answer:

3) Issue that Could Affect the Validity of an Assumption

Answer 3

An argument can be strengthened via addressing an issue that could affect the validity of the argument’s conclusion.

Question 4

Strengthen Correct Answer:

4) Rule out an Alternative Cause of an Effect

Answer 4

When an argument uses cause-and-effect reasoning, by eliminating even one credible alternative cause for the observed effect, we can strengthen the support for the conclusion.

Question 5

Strengthen Correct Answer:

5) Confirming a Conclusion by Changing, Adding, or Eliminating a Variable

Answer 5

The correct answer to a Strengthen question can strengthen an argument by providing information regarding what happens when a variable is changed, added, or eliminated.

Question 6

Strengthen Trap Answers

Answer 6

A trap choice in a Strengthen the Argument question says something that is somehow related to the argument and that seems to strengthen the argument, and at the same time, what the trap choice says is not logically connected to the argument in a way such that it strengthens the argument.

Question 7

Strengthen Incorrect Answer Types

Answer 7

1. Provides info that doesn’t impact the argument in any way → don’t spin convoluted stories
2. Info that seems to confirm the validity of a premise (remember: premises are already considered facts)
3. Supports the wrong conclusion
4. Explains a part of the stimulus (there’s no way to strengthen a premise, which is a fact)
5. Info not well connected to the scenario in the argument
6. Pseudo-strengtheners
7. Weakens the argument

Question 8

Strengthen Tricky Question Stems

Answer 8

Except, Not, Least

Eliminate 4 of the 5 choices. The remaining choice can either weaken the argument OR simply have no effect on the strength of the argument.