ReasoningAbility.com

Strong/Weak Arguments - Expert Level: logical consistency EXPERT

Comprehensive self assessment worksheet covering 20 expert-level strong/weak arguments problems. Worksheet 28 of 30 emphasizes logical consistency. Master argument quality, logical assessment, argument analysis through detailed explanations. Difficulty: challenging problems and time-bound practice. Tailored for expert-level preparation.

📝 Worksheet 28 of 30 • 20 questions • ⏱️ Estimated time: 20 minutes • 🎯 Expert level

What you'll learn in this worksheet:
Your progress through Strong/Weak Arguments
Worksheet 28 of 30 (93% complete)

Question 1

Argument: 'After we started the job training program, unemployment went down. So the program caused the decrease.' What important alternative explanation is ignored?
This commits the 'post hoc' fallacy (after this, therefore because of this). Without a control group or considering national trends, we can't establish causation.
causation, fallacy, correlation

Question 2

Topic: Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly? Argument: No, because technology is always good for humanity Which new piece of evidence would most strengthens this argument?
This strengthenss the argument because: Historical precedent adds validity
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 3

Question: Should companies be required to provide paid parental leave? Argument: No, because people should plan their finances before having children Is this a strong or weak argument?
Weak argument: Oversimplifies complex socioeconomic factors affecting families
arguments, strength, basic

Question 4

Topic: Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly? Argument: No, because over-regulation could slow innovation and let other countries gain competitive advantages Evaluate the strength of this argument:
Strong argument: Provides specific evidence, addresses real consequences, and makes logical connections
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

What missing counterfactual would best test this claim?
The key counterfactual is the 'no-policy' baseline. If jobs would have grown by 50,000 anyway due to economic recovery, the tax cut had no effect.
counterfactual, causation, evaluation

Question 9

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 10

Topic: Should standardized testing be eliminated from schools? Argument: No, because colleges and employers need consistent metrics to evaluate candidates Which new piece of evidence would most weakens this argument?
This weakenss the argument because: Anecdotal evidence is low quality
arguments, evidence, evaluation

Question 11

Proposal: Implementing a four-day work week nationwide Argument: People have worked 5 days a week for decades, so we shouldn't change it What is the MOST significant weakness or missing element in this argument?
Key weakness: Appeal to tradition fallacy. This limits the argument's strength despite other merits.
arguments, multi-criteria, comprehensive

Question 12

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 13

Issue: Should social media platforms be held liable for content posted by users? Argument A: No, because content liability would require platforms to extensively censor speech, potentially violating First Amendment principles Argument B: No, because people should use common sense Which argument is stronger?
Argument A: Addresses constitutional concerns and explains broader implications. Argument B: Oversimplifies complex information environment and ignores scale of the problem
arguments, comparative, analysis

Question 14

Argument: We should require voter ID because it prevents fraud. Which is the STRONGEST counterargument?
The strongest counterargument addresses the premise (fraud prevalence) and shows the policy's harm outweighs its benefit, using evidence.
counterargument, dialectical, rebuttal

Question 15

Argument by analogy: 'Social media causes mental health problems in teens, similar to how tobacco causes physical health problems. We regulate tobacco, so we should regulate social media similarly.' What is the most important DIFFERENCE that weakens this analogy?
A critical disanalogy: tobacco has no redeeming benefits, while social media has legitimate uses. This makes the analogy weaker.
analogy, comparison, reasoning

Question 16

Argument: Smoking causes lung cancer. John smokes. Therefore, John will get lung cancer. What is the primary logical flaw in this argument?
The flaw is Confusing probability with certainty. Confuses statistical risk with certainty; smoking increases but doesn't guarantee cancer
arguments, validity, logic

Question 17

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 18

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 19

Context: Debate in City Council about building a new stadium Argument: The stadium will create 500 permanent jobs and attract tourism revenue In this context, how strong is this argument?
Strong argument in this context: Relevant economic benefits with specific numbers for municipal decision
arguments, context, relevance

Question 20

Context: Corporate board meeting about remote work policy Argument: In-person collaboration is essential for innovation and company culture In this context, how strong is this argument?
Strong argument in this context: Addresses specific business functions that may require physical presence
arguments, context, relevance
Previous Worksheet Next Worksheet