Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments Reasoning Questions

1. An environmental group argues that banning plastic straws will significantly reduce ocean pollution. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Many people prefer using plastic straws

Plastic straws make up a very small percentage of ocean plastic waste

Alternative straw options are available

Some marine animals can be harmed by plastic straws

2. A study shows that students who eat breakfast perform better on morning tests. Therefore, schools should provide free breakfast to all students to improve test scores. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this argument?

The cost of providing free breakfast is minimal

Students who eat breakfast also tend to have better attendance

The improvement in test scores is significant and consistent across all subjects

Parents support the idea of free breakfast at school

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. A nutritionist claims that consuming probiotics improves digestive health. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

Probiotics are naturally present in some foods

The effects of probiotics vary greatly among individuals

Probiotic supplements are widely available

Some studies show no significant difference in digestive health between probiotic users and non-users

5. A health expert claims that a vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet that includes meat. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

Vegetarian diets are often lower in saturated fats

Many vegetarians supplement their diet with vitamins

Some studies show that moderate meat consumption has health benefits

Vegetarian diets are becoming more popular

6. Country A has a higher GDP per capita than Country B. Therefore, the citizens of Country A must have a higher standard of living. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Country A has a larger population than Country B

Country A has a more unequal distribution of wealth

Country B has more natural resources

Citizens of Country A work longer hours

7. A study finds that people who own pets have lower blood pressure. Therefore, owning a pet causes lower blood pressure. What is the main weakness of this argument?

The study may not have controlled for other lifestyle factors

Not everyone can afford to own a pet

The study doesn't specify what types of pets were owned

Pets can sometimes cause stress for their owners

8. A politician argues that increasing funding for after-school programs will reduce juvenile crime rates. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Juvenile crime rates have been steadily increasing in recent years

After-school programs are popular among students

Cities with well-funded after-school programs have lower juvenile crime rates

Implementing after-school programs is costly

9. A politician argues that increasing the minimum wage will lead to job losses as businesses will be forced to lay off workers to maintain profitability. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Some businesses have already voluntarily increased their minimum wage

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

The proposed minimum wage increase is substantial

Many minimum wage workers rely on government assistance

10. Country D has implemented a universal basic income program, and poverty rates have decreased. Therefore, all countries should adopt universal basic income to reduce poverty. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Universal basic income is expensive to implement

Country D's economy was already improving before the program was implemented

Not all citizens in Country D receive the basic income

Other countries have different economic structures