Strengthening and Weakening Arguments in Reasoning: Rules, Examples and Questions for SSC CGL, CHSL
Rahul Kumar
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PDF Notes: Strengthening and Weakening Arguments in Reasoning: Rules, Examples and Questions for SSC CGL, CHSL
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In strengthening and weakening argument questions, an argument is given and you decide which new fact supports it (strengthens) and which fact goes against it (weakens). It is the base of the Statement and Argument topic and of critical reasoning. These strengthening and weakening arguments tricks for SSC explain the parts of an argument, the rules and solved examples.
Parts of an Argument
| Part | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conclusion | The point that the author wants to prove | Online classes improve results |
| Premise (reason) | The fact that supports the conclusion | Students can watch the lessons again |
| Assumption | The unstated idea that links the premise to the conclusion | Students really do watch the lessons again |
Rules
| To strengthen | To weaken |
|---|---|
| Add a fact that supports the premise | Add a fact that attacks the premise |
| Add a fact that supports the assumption | Show that the assumption is false |
| Rule out another reason for the same result | Give another reason for the same result |
| Give an example or a study that agrees | Give an example or a study that disagrees |
Solved Examples
Example 1. Argument: Online classes improve the results of students, because students can watch the lessons again.
| New fact | Effect |
|---|---|
| Students who watch the lessons again score 20% higher. | Strengthens |
| Most students never watch the lessons again. | Weakens |
| Online classes are cheaper than offline classes. | Neither (the cost has no link with results) |
Example 2. Argument: A city should ban cars in the centre to reduce pollution.
| New fact | Effect |
|---|---|
| Cities that banned cars saw 30% less pollution. | Strengthens |
| Most pollution in the centre comes from factories, not from cars. | Weakens |
| The centre has many old buildings. | Neither |
Example 3. Argument: A new tax on sugary drinks will reduce obesity, because people will drink less of them.
| New fact | Effect |
|---|---|
| After a similar tax in another city, the sale of sugary drinks fell sharply. | Strengthens |
| People switch to other sugary food when drinks become costlier. | Weakens |
How to Decide Quickly
- Find the conclusion and the premise.
- Ask: does the new fact make the conclusion more likely (strengthen) or less likely (weaken)?
- If the new fact has no link with the conclusion, it is neither.
- A strong argument is directly connected to the question, is important and is based on a fact. A weak argument is vague or is based on an opinion.
Tips
- Look for a new fact that connects with the assumption.
- A fact about the cost, the colour or the time that has no link with the conclusion does not strengthen or weaken it.
- Do not use your own opinion about the topic.
Quick Tips
- Find the conclusion and the premise first.
- Check the link between the new fact and the conclusion.
- A fact that is not linked is neither a strength nor a weakness.
- Do not use your own opinion.
Quick Revision Points
- An argument has a conclusion, a premise and an assumption.
- A strengthening fact makes the conclusion more likely.
- A weakening fact gives another reason or attacks the premise.
- An unrelated fact does nothing.
- Do not use outside opinions.
Practice Questions With Answers
- Argument: Cars should be banned in the centre to reduce pollution. Fact: Cities that banned cars saw 30% less pollution. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Strengthens - Argument: Cars should be banned in the centre to reduce pollution. Fact: Most pollution comes from factories. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Weakens - Argument: Online classes improve results since students can rewatch lessons. Fact: Most students never rewatch. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Weakens - Argument: Online classes improve results since students can rewatch lessons. Fact: Rewatching students score 20% higher. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Strengthens - Argument: A tax on sugary drinks will reduce obesity. Fact: After a similar tax, sales fell sharply. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Strengthens - Argument: A tax on sugary drinks will reduce obesity. Fact: People switch to other sugary food. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Weakens - Argument: A tax on sugary drinks will reduce obesity. Fact: Sugary drinks come in many colours. Strengthens or weakens?
Answer: Neither - What is the conclusion of an argument?
Answer: The point that the author wants to prove - What is a premise?
Answer: The fact that supports the conclusion - What is an assumption?
Answer: An unstated idea that links the premise to the conclusion
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Logical Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Conditional Statements and the next topic Passage Reasoning. Also read the Reasoning notes. Also read Statement and Assumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a strong argument?
A strong argument is directly connected to the question, is important and is based on a fact.
What is a weak argument?
A weak argument is vague, is not connected to the question or is based on an opinion.
What is a premise?
It is the fact that supports the conclusion.
What is an assumption?
It is the unstated idea that links the premise with the conclusion.
How do I strengthen an argument?
Add a fact that supports the premise or the assumption.
How do I weaken an argument?
Attack the premise or the assumption, or give another reason for the result.
What if the new fact is not linked?
It neither strengthens nor weakens the argument.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Statement and argument type questions are asked in some SSC and other exams.
How much time should I take?
About 30 to 40 seconds.
What are common mistakes?
Using your own opinion and choosing an unrelated fact.
How can I practise?
Take a news headline, write the conclusion and write one fact that strengthens and one that weakens it.
What is the difference between strengthen and support?
They mean almost the same. A strengthening fact supports the conclusion.
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Conditional Statements in Reasoning: If-Then Rules, Contrapositive and Unless Questions for SSC
Next chapter
Passage Reasoning: Inference, Main Idea and Assumption Questions with Solved Examples for SSC
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.