Weaken the Argument

Question 1

Background/Premises/Evidence are considered factual.

Answer 1

An argument cannot be weakened by attacking the evidence/premises.

Question 2

Correct Answers

Answer 2

The correct answer will show that the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises. The answer will attack the assumptions upon which the argument rests.

Question 3

Even if only a small doubt is casted on the efficacy of an argument, the argument is still weakened.

Question 4

Types of Answer #1 - False Dichotomy

Answer 4

False Dichotomy occurs when an author incorrectly limits the number of possible conclusion to two. You can weaken this argument by showing there are in fact other possibilities.

Question 5

Type of Answers #2 - Cause-and-Effect Conclusion

Answer 5

Two events happening together does not mean one of the events causes the other. One way to weaken the argument is to show that there is an alternative explanation for the observation made by the author. Ex:

1. A casual relationship exists but it’s the reverse. Y causes X instead of X causes Y.
2. A third factor causes X and Y, say factor Z
3. The correlation is a mere coincidence

Question 6

Type of Answers #3 - Generalization that Supports an Argument is faulty

Answer 6

A conclusion may use the sample of a population to as evidence to his/her claim. This can be weakened by showing that the samples are not representative of the populations that the conclusions are about.

Question 7

Type of Answer #4 - Comparison used to Support a Conclusion

Answer 7

The author will compare two things that are fundamentally different in an important way.

Question 8

Type of Answer #5 - Using incorrect data or incorrect analysis of data (comparing solely percents)

Answer 8

Do quick math to check for total vs. percentage

Question 9

Type of Answer #6 - Author assumes there are no other variables that will spoil the plan.

Answer 9

The author expects a course of action will generate some desired or expected results. The correct answer will weaken the argument by indicating that taking that course of action will not generate the expected results.

Question 10

Answer Type #7 - Author claims a plan won’t work, but the answer clearly shows that it will

Question 11

Common Incorrect Answers to Weaken Questions

Answer 11

Strengtheners - opposite of what you need
Pseudo-weakeners - seem to weaken, but doesn’t have the full effect as the real answers
Frameshifts - weakens a different conclusion that is very similar to that of the argument’s real conclusion.
Pertinent Choices - It might make sense in the real world, but it doesn’t actually weaken the argument.
Answer Choices that attack premises -