Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Strength 4

Question 1

Question: Should schools switch to a four-day school week?
Argument: Yes, because teachers in four-day-week districts report lower burnout rates.
This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Weak, because student learning outcomes, not teacher satisfaction, should drive school scheduling decisions

Answer

The argument is weak because the question concerns student education policy, and teacher satisfaction — while relevant — is an insufficient basis on its own without addressing student outcomes.

Question 2

Question: Should governments fund space exploration?
Argument: No, because there are more pressing problems on Earth, such as poverty and disease, that need funding.
This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Weak, because governments can fund multiple priorities simultaneously and space research has produced Earth-benefiting technologies

Answer

The argument is weak because it presents a false either/or choice — governments routinely fund many priorities simultaneously, and space research has yielded medical, agricultural, and communications advances.

Question 3

Question: Should libraries replace physical books with digital e-books?
Argument: Yes, because e-books take up no physical space and can be updated instantly.
This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Strong, because space and currency of information are genuine practical advantages

Answer

The argument is strong because space efficiency and the ability to keep content current are real, material advantages directly relevant to library operations.

Question 4

Question: Should healthcare workers be required to receive annual flu vaccinations?
Argument: Yes, because vaccinated healthcare workers are less likely to transmit influenza to vulnerable patients.
This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it grounds the policy in protection of third parties — a widely accepted basis for public health mandates

Answer

The argument is strong because protecting vulnerable patients from harm caused by the worker directly justifies the policy using a well-established principle of public health ethics.

Question 5

Question: Should news outlets be prohibited from endorsing political candidates?
Argument: No, because editorial endorsements are a form of protected free speech and press freedom.  
This argument is:

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it invokes a constitutionally grounded principle directly applicable to the policy

Answer

The argument is strong because press freedom and free speech are constitutionally protected rights in the US, providing a directly relevant and substantive legal basis for opposing the ban.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Strength 4