Critical Reasoning

Question 1

In “supply your own conclusion” questions…

Answer 1

The conclusion must be supported by ALL premises - not just one.

Question 2

Stengthen the Argument

(strategy)

Answer 2

• Connect evidence w/ conclusion
• Make conclusion stronger
• Strengthen conclusion with new info

In sum:

Find the gap, fix with additional info.

Question 3

Triggers for “out of scope” answer choices

Answer 3

1. Extreme words
2. Strong stance words (i.e. mus​t, have to)
3. Does not contain any qualifies (i.e. however, taking into account, etc.)

Question 4

Assumption questions

strategy

Answer 4

1. Find the conclusion
2. Determine which answer choice needs to be true for the conclusion to be valid.

or

negate the answer choice to see if the conlcusion can survive, ifit can’t that’s the right answer choice.

Question 5

When finding flaws in an argument…

Answer 5

Use information contained in the passage

NO NEW INFO!

Question 6

Weaken the Argument

strategy

Answer 6

1. Break down central assumption
2. Find alternative possibilities relevant to the argument

Question 7

Numbers vs. Percentages

Answer 7

Watch for the destinction between the two.

Numbers must be compared numbers.

Percentages must be compared to percentages.

Do not mix the two!