Analysing Arguments— Concepts, Formulas & Shortcuts
- A strong argument is directly relevant to the specific claim being made.
- Appeals to popularity, tradition, authority or emotion are weak by themselves.
- To weaken an argument, attack its assumption or offer an alternative explanation.
- To strengthen it, rule out the main alternative explanation.
- Statistical evidence beats anecdote, but only if the sample actually fits the claim.
- An argument that shifts to a different question is irrelevant, not strong.
Analysing Arguments Practice Questions with Answers
Attempt each question first, then open the explanation. All 10 questions below are free to read and require no signup.
Q1.Claim: Cities should expand public transport. Which is the STRONGEST supporting argument?
Easy- ABuses are colourful
- BPublic transport reduces congestion and per-passenger emissions
- COther countries have trains
- DPeople like travelling
Analysing Arguments question 1 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Public transport reduces congestion and per-passenger emissions
Explanation: It states a concrete, relevant benefit directly connected to the claim.
Q2.Claim: Schools should teach financial literacy. Which is the WEAKEST argument?
Moderate- AStudents face loans and taxes as adults
- BEarly habits shape lifelong money behaviour
- CIt has never been taught before, so it should not be
- DFinancial mistakes are costly and avoidable
Analysing Arguments question 2 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C. It has never been taught before, so it should not be
Explanation: Appealing to tradition gives no reason why the subject should not be taught.
Q3.Argument: Sales rose after the new logo launched, so the logo caused the rise. Which best WEAKENS this?
Difficult- AThe logo is attractive
- BA major competitor shut down in the same month
- CCustomers noticed the logo
- DThe logo cost money to design
Analysing Arguments question 3 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. A major competitor shut down in the same month
Explanation: It supplies an alternative explanation for the sales rise, breaking the causal claim.
Q4.Claim: Helmets should be compulsory for two-wheeler riders. Which is the STRONGEST supporting argument?
Easy- AHelmets are widely available
- BHead injuries fall sharply where helmet laws are enforced
- CHelmets look sporty
- DMany riders already own one
Analysing Arguments question 4 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Head injuries fall sharply where helmet laws are enforced
Explanation: It presents outcome evidence tied directly to the proposed measure.
Q5.Argument: Everyone in my office uses this software, so it must be the best. This reasoning is:
Moderate- AStrong, because many people use it
- BWeak, because popularity does not establish quality
- CStrong, because offices are careful
- DWeak, because software changes
Analysing Arguments question 5 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Weak, because popularity does not establish quality
Explanation: It is an appeal to popularity, which says nothing about the product's merit.
Q6.Claim: Remote work improves productivity. Which best STRENGTHENS it?
Moderate- AEmployees prefer working from home
- BMeasured output per employee rose 18% after the shift to remote work
- COffices are expensive
- DCommuting is tiring
Analysing Arguments question 6 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Measured output per employee rose 18% after the shift to remote work
Explanation: It provides a direct, quantified measure of the very outcome claimed.
Q7.Argument: This medicine is safe because it is made from natural ingredients. This reasoning is:
Moderate- AStrong, since natural means safe
- BWeak, since natural substances can also be harmful
- CStrong, since it is traditional
- DWeak, since medicines are expensive
Analysing Arguments question 7 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Weak, since natural substances can also be harmful
Explanation: The argument assumes natural implies safe, which is false — many natural substances are toxic.
Q8.Claim: The city should build more parks. Which argument is IRRELEVANT?
Easy- AGreen spaces improve air quality
- BParks provide exercise space
- CThe mayor enjoys gardening
- DParks reduce urban heat
Analysing Arguments question 8 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C. The mayor enjoys gardening
Explanation: The mayor's personal hobby has no bearing on whether the city needs parks.
Q9.Argument: Students who eat breakfast score higher, so breakfast improves scores. The main weakness is:
Difficult- ABreakfast is cheap
- BCorrelation is being treated as causation
- CScores vary by subject
- DNot all students eat breakfast
Analysing Arguments question 9 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Correlation is being treated as causation
Explanation: Households that provide breakfast may differ in other ways that also affect scores, so the causal link is not established.
Q10.To weaken an argument most effectively, you should:
Moderate- ARestate the conclusion
- BAttack the assumption connecting evidence to conclusion
- CAgree with the evidence
- DChange the subject
Analysing Arguments question 10 of 10+Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Attack the assumption connecting evidence to conclusion
Explanation: An argument stands on its assumption; undermining that link collapses the inference.
Analysing Arguments — Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an argument strong in these questions?+
Direct relevance to the claim plus evidence that does not depend on an unstated assumption. "It has always been done this way" is weak; "a controlled trial showed a 40% improvement" is strong.
How do I weaken an argument most effectively?+
Provide an alternative explanation for the same evidence, or show that the assumption connecting the evidence to the conclusion is false.
Are emotional appeals ever strong?+
Not as logical support. They may persuade, but in argument-evaluation questions relevance and evidence decide the answer.
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