Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments Reasoning Questions

1. 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

2. Students who attend private schools have higher college acceptance rates. Therefore, private schools provide a better education than public schools. Which of the following identifies the main flaw in this argument?

Private schools are more expensive than public schools

The argument doesn't consider other factors affecting college acceptance

Not all students want to attend college

Public schools have larger class sizes

3. Company Z's productivity increased after they implemented a four-day workweek. Therefore, all companies should switch to a four-day workweek to increase productivity. What is the main flaw in this argument?

A four-day workweek may not be feasible for all industries

The argument generalizes based on a single case

Productivity may have increased due to other factors

Employees may not prefer a four-day workweek

4. An environmentalist argues that banning single-use plastic bags will significantly reduce plastic pollution in oceans. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Many people reuse plastic bags for other purposes

Plastic bags make up a small percentage of total plastic waste

Countries that have implemented similar bans have seen a dramatic decrease in plastic bag pollution

Alternative bag options may have other environmental impacts

5. City Z has implemented a congestion charge for driving in the city center, and traffic has decreased. Therefore, all cities should implement congestion charges to reduce traffic. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

The congestion charge is unpopular among residents

Public transportation in City Z was significantly improved at the same time

The reduction in traffic is minimal

Other cities have different layouts and transportation needs

6. A politician argues that increasing the police force will reduce crime rates. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Hiring more police officers is expensive

Crime rates are influenced by various socioeconomic factors

Some citizens oppose increasing the police force

Other cities have larger police forces per capita

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Countries with higher education spending have higher test scores. Therefore, increasing education spending will always lead to better academic performance. What assumption does this argument make?

All countries have similar education systems

Test scores are the best measure of academic performance

There is a direct causal relationship between spending and performance

All students have equal access to educational resources