Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments Reasoning Questions

1. A company claims that their new air purifier removes 99% of airborne pollutants. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

The air purifier is more expensive than competitors

The testing was done in ideal laboratory conditions, not real-world environments

The air purifier uses advanced filtration technology

Customers report high satisfaction with the product

2. A politician argues that implementing stricter immigration policies will improve national security. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Many citizens support stricter immigration policies

Implementing stricter policies is costly

Studies show no significant correlation between immigration levels and national security threats

Some industries rely heavily on immigrant labor

3. An economist argues that raising the retirement age will help solve the pension crisis. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

People are living longer on average than in previous generations

Many people prefer to retire early

Raising the retirement age may be unpopular with voters

Some jobs are physically demanding and difficult for older workers

4. A city council proposes building a new sports stadium, arguing that it will boost the local economy. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

The stadium will be built using local labor and materials

Similar projects in other cities have had mixed economic results

The stadium will only be used for a few events each year

The project will require a tax increase

5. A company claims that their new vacuum cleaner is the most powerful on the market because it has the highest wattage. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this claim?

The vacuum cleaner is more expensive than competitors

Cleaning effectiveness depends on various factors, not just power

The company has a good reputation for producing quality appliances

Many consumers prioritize power when choosing a vacuum cleaner

6. A city planner proposes building more bike lanes to reduce traffic congestion. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Many people in the city already own bicycles

The city has a mild climate suitable for year-round cycling

Cities with extensive bike lane networks have seen significant reductions in car traffic

Building bike lanes is less expensive than widening roads

7. A teacher argues that students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better academically. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens this argument?

Extracurricular activities take time away from studying

Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to have better time management skills

Some extracurricular activities are not directly related to academics

Participation in extracurricular activities is voluntary

8. A study shows that students who eat breakfast perform better on tests. Therefore, schools should provide free breakfast to all students. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Some students prefer not to eat breakfast

The study was conducted on a small sample size

Many students already eat breakfast at home

The cost of providing free breakfast is minimal

9. City X has implemented a new recycling program, and the amount of waste sent to landfills has decreased. Therefore, the recycling program is successful and should be adopted by all cities. 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 landfill waste

The decrease in landfill waste is directly proportional to the increase in recycling

Residents of City X report higher satisfaction with waste management

10. A city council proposes implementing a congestion charge for driving in the city center, arguing it will reduce traffic. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Similar charges have been successful in other cities

Many drivers may choose to pay the charge rather than change their behavior

The charge will generate revenue for the city

Public transportation options in the city are limited