Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Strength Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Statement: 'Should the US mandate electric vehicles by 2035?' Argument: 'No, because electric cars are a different color than gasoline cars.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because vehicle color is entirely irrelevant to the policy question

Answer

Vehicle color has no bearing on whether an EV mandate is sound policy, making this argument clearly weak.

Question 2

Statement: 'Should the federal minimum wage be raised to $20 per hour?' Argument: 'Yes, because workers earning below a living wage often rely on public assistance programs, shifting costs to taxpayers.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it highlights a direct fiscal consequence relevant to taxpayers and policy

Answer

This argument is strong because it provides a concrete, relevant consequence—taxpayer burden—that directly supports the case for a higher wage.

Question 3

Statement: 'Should social media platforms be legally liable for user-posted misinformation?' Argument: 'No, because social media CEOs are already very wealthy and shouldn't be punished further.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because the wealth of executives is irrelevant to platform liability policy

Answer

The personal wealth of executives is irrelevant to whether a platform should bear legal responsibility for the content it hosts.

Question 4

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 a key advantage relevant to energy and climate policy

Answer

High electricity output with near-zero operational emissions is a substantive, relevant reason that directly supports expanding nuclear energy.

Question 5

Statement: 'Should US colleges be required to admit students without considering standardized test scores?' Argument: 'No, because my grandfather scored very highly on the SAT and it helped him get into a good school.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because one anecdote is not a substantive policy reason

Answer

A single personal anecdote is not a strong argument; it lacks the breadth and objectivity needed to support a national admissions policy.

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 4