Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Relevance 5

Question 1

Statement: 'Should the US expand nuclear energy production?' Argument: 'Yes, because nuclear power produces large amounts of electricity with near-zero carbon emissions during operation.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it directly addresses both energy capacity and a key climate concern

Answer

The argument is strong because it directly addresses two of the central considerations in the energy policy debate: output and climate impact.

Question 2

Statement: 'Should schools teach cursive handwriting?' Argument: 'No, because cursive handwriting is not tested on any major standardized exam students take.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because exclusion from a standardized test does not mean a skill lacks educational value

Answer

The argument is weak because the absence of cursive from standardized tests does not constitute evidence that the skill is without educational benefit.

Question 3

Statement: 'Should the US government provide free internet access to all households?' Argument: 'Yes, because in the modern economy, internet access is increasingly necessary for job searching, remote work, education, and civic participation.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it identifies multiple direct ways internet access has become essential to economic and civic life

Answer

The argument is strong because it provides several concrete, relevant ways that internet access has become a functional necessity in modern society.

Question 4

Statement: 'Should the minimum wage be raised to $20 per hour nationally?' Argument: 'No, because small businesses in rural areas operate on thin margins and a wage increase could force layoffs or closures.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it identifies a specific, plausible economic consequence relevant to the debate

Answer

The argument is strong because it identifies a concrete, relevant group likely to be directly harmed by the policy.

Question 5

Statement: 'Should prisons focus more on rehabilitation than punishment?' Argument: 'Yes, because recidivism rates are lower among individuals who receive education and vocational training while incarcerated.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it provides direct empirical support for the effectiveness of the proposed approach

Answer

The argument is strong because it cites outcome data directly relevant to the core objective of reducing repeat offenses.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Relevance 5