Critical Reasoning Questions | How to Approach Different Types

1. Strengthening an Argument

These questions require selecting an option that reinforces the argument or makes it more convincing.

Approach:

Identify the main conclusion of the argument.
Look for an answer choice that provides additional evidence supporting the argument.
Avoid answers that introduce new topics or contradict the argument.

Example:
Statement: Increased investment in public transport will reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Which of the following strengthens the argument?
a) The number of people using public transport has been declining.
b) Many cities with improved public transport have seen a reduction in congestion.
c) The government is planning to build new roads.
d) A new car company is launching affordable vehicles.

Explanation: Option (b) provides supporting evidence from other cities, strengthening the argument.

2. Weakening an Argument

These questions require selecting an option that undermines the argument.

Approach:

Identify the main conclusion.
Look for an answer choice that introduces doubt, provides counter-evidence, or suggests an alternative explanation.
Avoid answers that merely restate the argument.

Example:
Statement: The new policy banning plastic bags will significantly reduce pollution in the city.
Which of the following weakens the argument?
a) Many people continue to dispose of plastic improperly.
b) Other countries have implemented similar bans.
c) The government has imposed fines on using plastic bags.
d) Citizens support the ban.

Explanation: Option (a) suggests that banning plastic bags alone may not be enough to reduce pollution.

3. Finding Assumptions

These questions test the ability to identify unstated premises that the argument depends on.

Approach:

Identify what must be true for the argument to hold.
Find an answer choice that, if false, would weaken the argument.
Avoid extreme or unrelated assumptions.

Example:
Statement: Regular exercise leads to a longer lifespan.
What is an assumption of this argument?
a) Exercise reduces the risk of diseases.
b) People who exercise are generally happier.
c) A longer lifespan depends only on exercise.
d) Not exercising shortens life expectancy.

Explanation: Option (a) is a necessary assumption because, without it, the argument lacks a logical link.

4. Drawing Conclusions (Inference Questions)

These questions ask for the most logical conclusion that can be drawn from the given information.

Approach:

Read the passage carefully and focus on facts.
The correct answer should be directly supported by the passage.
Avoid answer choices that are too broad, extreme, or introduce new information.

Example:
Statement: Most students who study consistently perform better in exams than those who study at the last minute.
What can be inferred from this?
a) Last-minute studying is ineffective.
b) All students who study consistently get top grades.
c) Some students do well even without studying.
d) Schools should ban last-minute studying.

Explanation: The passage suggests that consistent studying is more effective, making option (a) the best inference.

5. Identifying Logical Flaws

These questions require recognizing weaknesses or inconsistencies in reasoning.

Approach:

Look for overgeneralizations, false cause-effect relationships, or contradictions.
Identify assumptions that may not be valid.
Choose an answer that points out the logical gap.

Example:
Statement: Everyone who drinks coffee is energetic. John is energetic, so he must drink coffee.
What is the flaw in reasoning?
a) Not all energetic people drink coffee.
b) Some people dislike coffee.
c) Coffee is the only source of energy.
d) John drinks coffee every day.

Explanation: The argument assumes that being energetic must be caused by drinking coffee, which is flawed.

6. Cause and Effect Questions

These questions ask for identifying or evaluating a cause-effect relationship.

Approach:

Determine whether the relationship is valid.
Look for an alternative explanation or an answer that confirms the cause-effect link.
Be cautious of coincidental relationships.

Example:
Statement: Since the launch of the new diet plan, obesity rates have dropped.
What is a possible cause?
a) People have become more health-conscious.
b) The diet plan is more expensive than regular food.
c) Many people dislike the new diet plan.
d) The weather has changed significantly.

Explanation: Option (a) provides a reasonable cause for the observed effect.

7. Evaluating Arguments

These questions test the ability to assess the logic and effectiveness of an argument.

Approach:

Identify the main point and supporting details.
Look for gaps in logic or weak evidence.
Choose an answer that best evaluates the strength of the argument.

Example:
Statement: The city should build more parks because people like green spaces.
Which question would best evaluate the argument?
a) How many people visit parks regularly?
b) Do people prefer watching TV instead of going to parks?
c) How expensive is park maintenance?
d) What kind of trees should be planted?

Explanation: The correct answer tests whether the argument’s reasoning is valid.

General Tips for Solving Critical Reasoning Questions

Read the Question First – Understand whether you need to strengthen, weaken, or analyze the argument.
Identify the Conclusion – The conclusion is the key to most questions; recognizing it helps in finding the right answer.
Eliminate Wrong Answers – Remove extreme, unrelated, or logically flawed choices.
Look for Traps – Some choices may seem correct but subtly distort the original argument.
Practice Regularly – The more you practice, the better you become at spotting patterns and logical structures.

Conclusion

Critical reasoning questions test logical thinking and analytical skills. By understanding different question types—such as strengthening, weakening, assumption, inference, and flaw identification—you can develop effective strategies to tackle them. Consistent practice and careful reading will significantly improve accuracy in answering these questions.