Weaken Questions

Front 1

Weaken questions ask you to identify a fact that would work against the argument?

Back 1

true

Front 2

Explain how the right answer to a weaken question will exploit a gap in the argument.

Back 2

The answer will contradict the conclusion, it will sever the connection between premises and the conclusions, destroying the argument's reasoning.

Front 3

The correct answer of a weaken question will destroy the author's assumptions, and you should treat each answer as hypothetically true, looking for its direct negative impact on the conclusion.

Back 3

Look for the most direct impact

Front 4

The credited response to a weaken question will give a reason why the author's conclusion might not be true, even if the premises given in the support of the conclusion are true.

Back 4

True

Front 5

POE Hint Answer choices for question types that contain the "if true" in the question stem sometimes bring in new information. if the new information is relevant, the fact that it's "new" is not a reason to eliminate it.

Back 5

true

Front 6

With weaken question you want to find out what's wrong with the argument, so you can exploit that flaw somehow with the right answer.

Back 6

true

Front 7

The word weaken or one of it's synonyms-undermine, call into question, cast doubt upon-is a clear indication of the kind of question we're facing here.

Back 7

true

Front 8

inimical

Back 8

being adverse by reason

Front 9

innocuous

Back 9

Producing no injury
not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility

Front 10

When more than one anwser choice seems to do the job, make sure you go back to the conclusion and look for the choice that attacks it most directly.

Back 10

true