Evaluating Argument Relevance Flashcards
7 cards from real Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evaluating Argument Relevance flashcards as text
Statement: 'Should the US require all new cars to be electric by 2035?' Argument: 'Yes, because electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, directly reducing urban air pollution.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Strong, because it directly addresses the environmental impact of the policy
The argument is strong because it provides a direct, relevant reason tied to the policy's stated environmental purpose.
Statement: 'Should public libraries eliminate late fees?' Argument: 'No, because libraries were invented before the internet existed.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Weak, because the origin of libraries is irrelevant to the fee policy
The argument is weak because a library's historical origin has no logical bearing on whether late fees should exist today.
Statement: 'Should employers be required to offer paid parental leave?' Argument: 'Yes, because research shows paid leave improves infant health outcomes and reduces employee turnover.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Strong, because it provides evidence relevant to both societal and business impacts
The argument is strong because it cites relevant evidence addressing both public health and employer interests.
Statement: 'Should cities ban single-use plastic bags?' Argument: 'No, because plastic bags are made from petroleum, which is a fossil fuel.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Weak, because stating what plastic is made of doesn't argue against a ban
The argument is weak because identifying the material source of plastic bags does not constitute a reason to oppose a ban.
Statement: 'Should high schools require students to pass a financial literacy course to graduate?' Argument: 'Yes, because many adults lack basic budgeting and debt management skills that lead to financial hardship.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Strong, because it identifies a real gap that the policy directly addresses
The argument is strong because it provides a direct, evidence-based reason why the proposed course would benefit students.
Statement: 'Should the US lower the voting age to 16?' Argument: 'No, because many 16-year-olds have not yet taken a civics class.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Weak, because civics classes are not required of adult voters either
The argument is weak because adults are not required to take civics classes to vote, so holding 16-year-olds to that standard is logically inconsistent.
Statement: 'Should professional athletes be required to serve as community role models?' Argument: 'No, because athletes are paid to perform, not to mentor, and conflating these roles creates unfair expectations.' Is this argument strong or weak?
Answer: Strong, because it draws a relevant distinction between job duties and social obligations
The argument is strong because it makes a directly relevant distinction between a professional's contractual role and externally imposed social duties.