Which statement would most weaken an argument?

Which statement would most weaken an argument?

• A. A claim relying on anecdotal evidence without data.
• B. A statement backed by rigorous data and analysis.
• C. A parallel claim from a different field.
• D. A restatement of the original claim.

Answer: (A)

This question tests how to identify a statement that weakens an argument. The best choice is the one that relies on anecdotal evidence without data. Anecdotes are individual stories and often biased or unrepresentative, so they don’t provide reliable, generalizable support for a claim. Without data to back it up, the argument loses credibility and is vulnerable to counterexamples. In contrast, a statement backed by rigorous data and analysis strengthens the argument because it rests on solid, verifiable evidence. A parallel claim from a different field might introduce a useful comparison or raise questions, but by itself it doesn’t directly undermine the original argument. A restatement simply repeats the same idea without adding reasons, so it doesn’t weaken the argument either.

This question tests how to identify a statement that weakens an argument. The best choice is the one that relies on anecdotal evidence without data. Anecdotes are individual stories and often biased or unrepresentative, so they don’t provide reliable, generalizable support for a claim. Without data to back it up, the argument loses credibility and is vulnerable to counterexamples.

In contrast, a statement backed by rigorous data and analysis strengthens the argument because it rests on solid, verifiable evidence. A parallel claim from a different field might introduce a useful comparison or raise questions, but by itself it doesn’t directly undermine the original argument. A restatement simply repeats the same idea without adding reasons, so it doesn’t weaken the argument either.