Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments Reasoning Questions

1. City Y has implemented a bike-sharing program, and traffic congestion has decreased. Therefore, all cities should implement bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic congestion. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this argument?

The cost of implementing the program was lower than expected

Other cities have failed to reduce traffic congestion

The decrease in traffic congestion is directly proportional to the increase in bike-sharing usage

Residents of City Y report higher satisfaction with transportation options

2. A health expert claims that a daily multivitamin supplement is essential for optimal health. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

Multivitamins are widely available and affordable

Many people have nutritional deficiencies

Studies show that most people can get necessary nutrients from a balanced diet alone

Some vitamins are better absorbed when taken in supplement form

3. A company claims that their new sunscreen provides the best protection because it has the highest SPF. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

The sunscreen is more expensive than competitors

Sun protection depends on various factors, not just SPF

The company has a history of producing quality skincare products

Many consumers prioritize SPF when choosing sunscreen

4. Countries with stricter environmental regulations have cleaner air. Therefore, implementing stricter environmental regulations will always lead to cleaner air. What assumption does this argument make?

All countries have similar industrial activities

Clean air is the most important environmental goal

There is a direct causal relationship between regulations and air quality

All countries have the resources to enforce strict regulations

5. A study finds that people who drink coffee live longer on average. Therefore, drinking coffee causes increased longevity. What is the main weakness of this argument?

The study may not have controlled for other factors

Not everyone likes the taste of coffee

The study doesn't specify how much coffee was consumed

Coffee can have negative side effects

6. A health official argues that implementing a sugar tax on soft drinks will reduce obesity rates. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Similar taxes in other regions have led to decreased soft drink consumption

Obesity is caused by various factors, not just sugar consumption

Some people might switch to other high-calorie beverages

The tax might be unpopular with consumers

7. Countries with higher voter turnout have more stable governments. Therefore, making voting mandatory will always lead to more stable governments. What assumption does this argument make?

All countries have similar political systems

Voter turnout is the only factor affecting government stability

There is a direct causal relationship between voter turnout and stability

All citizens are equally informed about political issues

8. Company Y's sales increased after they started advertising on social media. Therefore, all companies should advertise on social media to increase sales. Which of the following identifies the main flaw in this argument?

Social media advertising can be expensive

Not all companies have a strong social media presence

The argument generalizes based on a single case

Some consumers don't use social media

9. An economist argues that raising the minimum wage will lead to job losses. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Some small businesses operate on thin profit margins

Many workers support raising the minimum wage

Studies show that moderate minimum wage increases have minimal impact on employment

Higher wages can lead to increased consumer spending

10. A company argues that their new time management app will increase productivity in the workplace. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

The app is easy to use and requires minimal training

Many employees already use personal time management techniques

Productivity is influenced by various factors beyond time management

The app is more expensive than similar products on the market