In the GMAT Critical Reasoning section, one of the key tasks is to strengthen an argument. Strengthening an argument involves providing additional support that makes the conclusion more likely to be true. This article will explore the strategies and techniques to effectively strengthen arguments.
An argument typically consists of a conclusion and premises. The conclusion is the statement that the argument is trying to prove, while the premises are the reasons or evidence provided to support that conclusion.
Consider the following argument:
Premise: All cats are mammals.
Conclusion: Therefore, all mammals are cats.
In this case, the conclusion does not logically follow from the premise. To strengthen the argument, we need to provide additional information that supports the conclusion.
When looking to strengthen an argument, consider the following types of evidence:
Here are some techniques to consider when attempting to strengthen an argument:
Consider the following argument:
Premise: Students who study more than 20 hours a week tend to achieve higher grades.
Conclusion: Therefore, studying more than 20 hours a week causes higher grades.
To strengthen this argument, we could:
Strengthening arguments in the GMAT Critical Reasoning section requires a clear understanding of the argument's structure and the ability to identify relevant evidence. By employing the techniques discussed in this article, test-takers can enhance their skills in strengthening arguments, ultimately improving their performance on the GMAT.
