Weaken the Argument (GMAT Course - Critical Reasoning Tactics - Common Question Tasks)

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Question Logistics
- Likely the Least Frequently Occurring Question Type
- Approximately Ten of the Questions in 36 Question Verbal Section
- Usually About 80% Argument Tasks and About 20% Inference Tasks
Strategic Best Practices
- Assume 2min00 per Question Average
- Maximum 3min00 for Any Question
- Note Task of Question Before Engaging Prompt
- Limit to Single Prompt Reread Before Eliminating Choices for Common Wrong Answers & Guessing
- Always Take Targeted Notes to Proactively Address Specific Question Task
- Primary Question Format to Guess and Skip if Behind Pace After Question 12 or Question 24
Identifying Weaken the Argument Tasks
- Recognize Reference to an Argument in Question Stem
- Note Task Words Such as “Weaken” “Undermine” “Doubt”
- New Information Provided in Choices that Must be Assumed True
Strategic Implications
- One of More Straightforward Critical Reasoning Tasks
- Begin by Reading the Prompt and Identifying Explicit Conclusion of Provided Argument
- Attempt to Categorically Identify the Type of Argument to Broadly Predict a Possible Attack
- Focus on Common Wrong Argument Answer Choices to Eliminate Incorrect Options
- Eliminate More Quickly if a Choice Closely Matches Prediction
Weakening an Argument
- Requires Locating Additional Information to Show that an Implicit Assumption Linking Premises to Conclusion is Unlikely to be True
- Arguments Can be Categorized in Multiple Ways but Focusing Closely on Specifics of the Premise Helps to Broadly Predict How a Choice Could Undermine Claim
Analogy | A = B
- Assumes - Items in argument are comparable in relevant ways
- Likely Attack - Should identify relevant differences in items
Representation
- Assumes - Evidentiary sample is representative of the larger whole population in conclusion
- Likely Attack - Should highlight subtle term shifts from evidence to conclusion or show that a provided sample is not representative of the overall population
Data and Evidence Interpretation
- Assumes - No other reasonable interpretation of data or evidence
- Likely Attack - Provides additional data (numbers) or evidence to support an alternative interpretation of the information
Causality | A Implies B
- Assumes - No other possible causes or outcomes, and that the circumstance is not merely a coincidence
- Likely Attack - Identifies another likelier cause or outcome, possibly by making circumstance seem coincidental
Plan or Recommendation
- Assumes - Execution and approach will work
- Likely Attack - Provides information to showexecution of the plan or recommendation will not result in success as defined by the argument
Weaken Task Checklist
Step 1
- Identify Weaken Task by Recognizing Key Indicator Terms and the Presence of an Argument with a Main Conclusion
Step 2
- Read Prompt as Written Paying Close Attention to Type of Information Provided in Premise and Note Explicit Conclusion
Step 3
- If Common Argument Identified - More Specifically Predict What Correct Answer Should Do to Weaken the Argument Based on Type
- If No Common Argument Identified - Use Generic Prediction “Find Info to Weaken the Conclusion That...”
Step 4
- Seek a Match to Your Prediction and Eliminate Choices that Fail to Address Task Using Common Wrong Answer Reasons
0:00 Introduction
0:18 Critical Reasonings
2:48 Weaken the Argument
4:26 Argumentation Equation
7:05 Weaken Tasks
11:08 Common Argument Attacks
16:37 Weaken Task Checklist