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Strong/Weak Arguments - Intermediate Level: argument strength INTERMEDIATE

Master strong/weak arguments concepts through this excellence pursuit practice set. Worksheet 16 of 30 contains 20 intermediate-level problems. Deep dive into argument strength while learning critical analysis, argument evaluation, logical strength. Recommended for mid-level learners aiming for moderate complexity with mixed patterns.

📝 Worksheet 16 of 30 • 20 questions • ⏱️ Estimated time: 20 minutes • 🎯 Intermediate level

What you'll learn in this worksheet:
Your progress through Strong/Weak Arguments
Worksheet 16 of 30 (53% complete)

Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

Issue: Should social media platforms be held liable for content posted by users? Argument A: Yes, because platforms profit from engagement and have technological capability to monitor and filter harmful content Argument B: Yes, because there's too much fake news online Which argument is stronger?
Argument A: Links profit motive with responsibility and acknowledges technical feasibility. Argument B: Identifies problem but doesn't explain why platform liability is the solution
arguments, comparative, analysis

Question 5

Argument: College isn't worth it because some graduates struggle to find jobs. Which is the STRONGEST counterargument?
The strongest counterargument uses aggregate data to rebut the anecdotal claim, showing the general trend outweighs exceptions.
counterargument, dialectical, rebuttal

Question 6

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 7

Topic: Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly? Argument: No, because current market mechanisms and company self-regulation are proving effective Which new piece of evidence would most strengthens this argument?
This strengthenss the argument because: Historical precedent adds validity
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 8

Topic: Should standardized testing be eliminated from schools? Argument: No, because we've always done it this way Evaluate the strength of this argument:
Weak argument: Relies on emotion, generalizations, or lacks supporting evidence
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 9

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

Question 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

Context: Corporate board meeting about remote work policy Argument: This is how modern companies operate now Which unstated assumption does this argument rely on?
Hidden assumption: Following trends is a valid business strategy. Without this assumption, the argument's conclusion may not follow from its premises.
arguments, context, relevance

Question 14

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 15

Context: Corporate board meeting about remote work policy Argument: In-person collaboration is essential for innovation and company culture Which unstated assumption does this argument rely on?
Hidden assumption: Innovation cannot happen remotely. Without this assumption, the argument's conclusion may not follow from its premises.
arguments, context, relevance

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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
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