Chapter 9: Evaluate the Argument Flashcards
What is the essence of what we are trying to do when we answer a CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
Find information that helps us to evaluate whether the plan, proposal, or argument will work.
What skill that we’ve used in another CR question type is critical to finding the correct answer choice to CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
Find the assumptions.
Look for missing information from the stimulus that must be true in order for the plan, proposal, or argument to work.
In CR “evaluate the argument” question type, how many answers are typically quite easy to immediately eliminate?
3 answer choices often can quickly be removed in CR “evaluate the argument” question types.
What is a useful strategy to use in working out the correct answer to CR “evaluate the argument” question types?
How does the strategy work?
The Yes / No test.
The answer choices often pose questions. If the answer yes either strengthens/weakens the argument & the answer no has the opposite effect then that is the correct answer.
If the answers yes or no have no effect on the argument then the answer choice is incorrect.
What are the 4 types of answer choices for the CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
- Yes or No statements.
- Questions.
- Answer choices that pose questions.
- Statements rather than questions.
What must we NEVER DO when answering CR “evaluate the argument” question types?
Convoluted, unsupported stories.
How should we answer the statement answer choice form with the CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
Find the conclusion in the stimulus. Find a choice that either strengthens the argument (brings in new information) or weakens the argument (throw doubt on the assumptions)
What are the 3 common types of incorrect answer choices to the CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
- Important info highlighted that doesn’t affect the strength of the argument.
- Makes an irrelevant comparison.
- Highlights info that affects the wrong conclusion.
What are the 3 common types of incorrect answer choices to the CR “evaluate the argument” question type?
- Important info highlighted that doesn’t affect the strength of the argument.
- Makes an irrelevant comparison.
- Highlights info that affects the wrong conclusion.