Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Strength Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

Statement: 'Should the US government ban single-use plastics?' Argument: 'No, because people have always used disposable items and change is uncomfortable.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because discomfort with change is not a substantive policy reason

Answer

An argument based on discomfort with change is emotional rather than logical, making it weak by Watson-Glaser standards.

Question 2

Statement: 'Should US companies be required to offer paid parental leave?' Argument: 'Yes, because studies show paid leave increases employee retention and reduces recruitment costs.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it provides a concrete, relevant benefit tied to business outcomes

Answer

This argument is strong because it directly supports the proposal with evidence of a measurable, important benefit.

Question 3

Statement: 'Should the voting age in the US be lowered to 16?' Argument: 'No, because 16-year-olds cannot yet rent a car.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because the inability to rent a car is irrelevant to civic capacity

Answer

Car rental age restrictions are a minor, unrelated point that does not address whether 16-year-olds can make informed civic decisions.

Question 4

Statement: 'Should US schools be required to teach financial literacy?' Argument: 'Yes, because adults who lack financial knowledge are more likely to accumulate high-interest debt and face bankruptcy.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it identifies a significant, direct consequence of the absence of financial education

Answer

The argument is strong because it provides a direct, important societal consequence that the proposed policy would address.

Question 5

Statement: 'Should the US require all citizens to vote?' Argument: 'No, because forcing people to vote violates their freedom to abstain as a form of political expression.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it identifies a direct conflict with a fundamental civil liberty

Answer

The argument is strong because it raises a substantive concern about civil liberties that is directly relevant to a compulsory voting law.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Strength Questions and Answers 3