Strong/Weak Arguments - Intermediate-Advanced Level: reasoning strength INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED

This fundamentals focus worksheet contains 20 intermediate-advanced-level strong/weak arguments problems. Worksheet 21 of 30 focuses on reasoning strength. Practice argument quality, logical assessment, argument analysis with our step-by-step solutions. Difficulty: advanced concepts with increasing complexity. Recommended for advanced developing learners.

📝 Worksheet 21 of 30 • 20 questions • ⏱️ Estimated time: 20 minutes • 🎯 Intermediate-advanced level

What you'll learn in this worksheet:

Tackle exam-style argument quality questions with confidence
Learn time-saving tricks for logical assessment problems
Practice fundamentals focus techniques for better scores
Identify and avoid common mistakes in argument analysis
Build exam temperament through reasoning strength practice

Your progress through Strong/Weak Arguments

Worksheet 21 of 30 (70% complete)

Question 1

Proposal: Implementing a four-day work week nationwide Argument: People have worked 5 days a week for decades, so we shouldn't change it Evaluate this argument across multiple criteria (evidence quality, relevance, comprehensiveness):

Evidence: Weak, Relevance: Weak, Comprehensiveness: Weak. Overall: Weak

arguments, multi-criteria, comprehensive

Question 2

You test positive for a rare disease (1 in 10,000 prevalence). The test is 99% accurate (1% false positive rate). What is the approximate probability you actually have the disease?

With 10,000 people: 1 true case, but 100 false positives (1% of 9,999). So probability = 1/(1+100) ≈ 1%. This tests base rate neglect.

statistics, probability, base rates

Question 3

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 4

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 5

Topic: Should standardized testing be eliminated from schools? Argument: Yes, because standardized tests narrow curriculum focus and encourage teaching to the test Which new piece of evidence would most strengthens this argument?

This strengthenss the argument because: Adds robust, longitudinal evidence

arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 6

Question: Should the government increase funding for public schools? Argument: No, because my taxes are already too high Is this a strong or weak argument?

Weak argument: Personal opinion without considering broader policy implications

arguments, strength, basic

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 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

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 14

Issue: Should the minimum wage be increased to $15/hour? Argument A: Yes, because it's been too long since the last minimum wage increase Argument B: No, because minimum wage jobs are meant for teenagers, not adults Which argument is stronger?

Both arguments are weak because they both time passage alone doesn't justify policy change without addressing underlying conditions

arguments, comparative, analysis

Question 15

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 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

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 18

Argument: My neighbor's dog barked before the earthquake. Therefore, dogs can predict earthquakes. What is the primary logical flaw in this argument?

The flaw is Hasty generalization. Single anecdote doesn't establish a general pattern or causal relationship

arguments, validity, logic

Question 19

You test positive for a rare disease (1 in 10,000 prevalence). The test is 99% accurate (1% false positive rate). What is the approximate probability you actually have the disease?

With 10,000 people: 1 true case, but 100 false positives (1% of 9,999). So probability = 1/(1+100) ≈ 1%. This tests base rate neglect.

statistics, probability, base rates

Question 20

Argument: My neighbor's dog barked before the earthquake. Therefore, dogs can predict earthquakes. Evaluate the logical validity:

Single anecdote doesn't establish a general pattern or causal relationship

arguments, validity, logic

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