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Strong/Weak Arguments - Beginner-Intermediate Level: argument analysis BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE

Strategic fast track practice for strong/weak arguments: 20 beginner-intermediate-level problems. Worksheet 9 of 30 - Focus: argument analysis. Develop expertise in critical analysis, argument evaluation, logical strength with step-by-step solutions. Ideal for developing learners targeting building on fundamentals with moderate challenges.

📝 Worksheet 9 of 30 • 20 questions • ⏱️ Estimated time: 20 minutes • 🎯 Beginner-intermediate level

What you'll learn in this worksheet:
Your progress through Strong/Weak Arguments
Worksheet 9 of 30 (30% complete)

Question 1

To properly evaluate whether the diversity training CAUSED the increase in minority hiring, what counterfactual would you need to compare against?
Counterfactual reasoning asks: 'What would have happened otherwise?' Without a baseline or control, you can't isolate the training's effect from other factors (e.g., a tight labor market).
counterfactual, causation, evaluation

Question 2

Argument by analogy: 'We ban violent movies for children. Violent video games are similar in their violent content. Therefore, we should also ban violent video games for children.' What is the STRONGEST counterargument to this analogy?
Interactive vs. passive consumption is a key difference that may make the analogy weak. Good analogical reasoning requires relevant similarities outweigh relevant differences.
analogy, comparison, reasoning

Question 3

Is this argument deductive or inductive?
Deductive arguments aim for logical necessity. If premises are true, conclusion must be true. This is a classic syllogism.
induction, deduction, reasoning type

Question 4

Is this argument deductive or inductive? What makes it strong or weak?
Inductive arguments generalize from specific cases. They cannot be 'valid' like deduction; instead, they are stronger with larger, more representative samples.
induction, deduction, reasoning type

Question 5

Issue: Should the minimum wage be increased to $15/hour? Argument A: Yes, because workers earning minimum wage cannot afford basic living costs in most cities, and consumer spending will increase when workers have more money Argument B: Yes, because it's been too long since the last minimum wage increase Which argument is stronger?
Argument A: Addresses both social justice and economic stimulation with clear causal reasoning. Argument B: Time passage alone doesn't justify policy change without addressing underlying conditions
arguments, comparative, analysis

Question 6

In this argument: 'All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.' Which statement is the CONCLUSION?
The conclusion is what the argument tries to prove. The premises ('All humans are mortal' and 'Socrates is human') support the conclusion 'Socrates is mortal.'
structure, premises, conclusion, logic

Question 7

Topic: Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly? Argument: Yes, because uncontrolled AI development could lead to autonomous weapons systems Evaluate the strength of this argument:
Strong argument: Provides specific evidence, addresses real consequences, and makes logical connections
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 8

Proposal: Implementing a four-day work week nationwide Argument: Pilot programs in multiple countries show 4-day weeks maintain productivity while improving employee well-being and reducing environmental impact through less commuting What is the MOST significant weakness or missing element in this argument?
Key weakness: Doesn't address implementation costs. This limits the argument's strength despite other merits.
arguments, multi-criteria, comprehensive

Question 9

What is the primary weakness in this argument?
Small, non-random sample (n=5) cannot support population-wide conclusions regardless of unanimity.
statistics, probability, base rates

Question 10

Question: Should the government increase funding for public schools? Argument: Yes, because education is important Is this a strong or weak argument?
Weak argument: Too general and vague, doesn't provide specific reasoning or evidence
arguments, strength, basic

Question 11

What is the logical form of this argument?
Form: If P then Q. Q is true. Therefore P. This is affirming the consequent, a formal fallacy. The ground could be wet from sprinklers, not rain.
structure, premises, conclusion, logic

Question 12

Argument: 'Ice cream sales and drowning deaths both rise together. Therefore, ice cream causes drowning.' What is the logical problem with this argument?
This is a classic 'correlation does not imply causation' fallacy. Hot weather causes both increased ice cream sales and more swimming/drowning.
causation, fallacy, correlation

Question 13

What is the primary weakness in this argument?
Small, non-random sample (n=5) cannot support population-wide conclusions regardless of unanimity.
statistics, probability, base rates

Question 14

Question: Should the government increase funding for public schools? Argument: Yes, because better-funded schools have consistently shown improved student outcomes in standardized assessments Is this a strong or weak argument?
Strong argument: Provides specific, measurable evidence linking funding to outcomes
arguments, strength, basic

Question 15

Is this argument deductive or inductive?
Deductive arguments aim for logical necessity. If premises are true, conclusion must be true. This is a classic syllogism.
induction, deduction, reasoning type

Question 16

Argument: Studies show that countries with higher education spending have stronger economies. Therefore, increasing education spending will strengthen our economy. Evaluate the logical validity:
Based on empirical evidence with reasonable causal connection
arguments, validity, logic

Question 17

Question: Should companies be required to provide paid parental leave? Argument: No, because mandatory benefits increase labor costs and may reduce hiring Is this a strong or weak argument?
Strong argument: Identifies specific economic mechanism and potential consequence
arguments, strength, basic

Question 18

Proposal: Universal basic income of $1000/month for all citizens Argument: Pilot studies in Finland and Kenya show UBI reduces poverty and improves mental health without reducing employment What is the MOST significant weakness or missing element in this argument?
Key weakness: Long-term economic effects unknown. This limits the argument's strength despite other merits.
arguments, multi-criteria, comprehensive

Question 19

Context: Debate in City Council about building a new stadium Argument: The stadium will create 500 permanent jobs and attract tourism revenue Which unstated assumption does this argument rely on?
Hidden assumption: The city can afford the upfront investment. Without this assumption, the argument's conclusion may not follow from its premises.
arguments, context, relevance

Question 20

Argument: If we allow same-day voter registration, then people will vote fraudulently. We cannot allow fraudulent voting. Therefore, we cannot allow same-day registration. What is the primary logical flaw in this argument?
The flaw is Slippery slope. Assumes extreme consequence without evidence that one leads to the other
arguments, validity, logic
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