Weaken the Argument (GMAT Focus Edition – Verbal Reasoning Content and Tactics)
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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