Evaluating Argument Strength Flashcards

Question: Should public universities be free for all students? Argument: Yes, because many students cannot afford tuition and drop out before completing their degrees. This argument is:

Answer: Strong, because it identifies a real barrier that free tuition would address

The argument is strong because it directly identifies a significant, demonstrable problem (financial barriers causing drop-out) that the proposed policy would address.

Question: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? Argument: Yes, because 16-year-olds are allowed to drive, and driving requires responsibility. This argument is:

Answer: Weak, because driving ability is unrelated to political judgment or civic decision-making

The argument is weak because it draws an irrelevant analogy — competence at driving does not demonstrate the political knowledge or judgment required for voting.

Question: Should employers be required to offer paid parental leave? Argument: No, because some employees do not plan to have children and would not benefit. This argument is:

Answer: Weak, because not every employee benefiting from a policy is not a valid reason to reject it

The argument is weak because many workplace policies — like disability insurance or sick leave — do not benefit every employee directly, yet are still widely considered justified.

Question: Should cities ban single-use plastic bags? Argument: Yes, because plastic bags are found in oceans and harm marine wildlife. This argument is:

Answer: Strong, because it provides an evidence-based environmental harm directly linked to the policy

The argument is strong because it cites a documented, specific harm (marine wildlife damage from plastic bags) that the proposed ban directly targets.

Question: Should all new cars be required to be electric? Argument: No, because electric vehicles are currently more expensive than gasoline cars. This argument is:

Answer: Strong, because affordability is a relevant concern that could undermine the policy's effectiveness

The argument is strong because cost is a directly relevant practical barrier — if most consumers cannot afford compliant vehicles, the mandate creates real hardship and may be unworkable.

Question: Should high school students be required to complete community service to graduate? Argument: Yes, because community service builds character and teaches empathy. This argument is:

Answer: Weak, because mandatory service may reduce genuine motivation and undermine the intended benefits

The argument is weak because requiring service can undermine intrinsic motivation, and there is limited evidence that compulsory service reliably builds character compared to voluntary engagement.

Question: Should governments regulate social media platforms to combat misinformation? Argument: No, because regulation could be used to silence legitimate political opposition. This argument is:

Answer: Strong, because it raises a substantive risk of government overreach with real historical precedent

The argument is strong because government overreach in speech regulation has documented historical examples, making the risk a substantive and relevant concern.