Lesson 5.5: Reasoning and Argument Questions

Introduction

In this lesson, we will dive into the essential components of reasoning and argument questions within the context of the GRE Reading Comprehension section. Mastering these questions is vital for achieving a high score, as they require a keen understanding of logical structure and argument analysis.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify the conclusion, premises, and assumptions in short argument passages.
• Recognize what strengthens, weakens, or is assumed by an argument.
• Distinguish relevant from irrelevant choices in reasoning items.
• Break an argument into its conclusion and supporting premises.
• Identify the assumption an argument depends on.

Understanding Argument Structure

An argument is a statement that supports a conclusion based on premises. The premises provide evidence or reasoning that leads to a conclusion. Understanding this structure is key to evaluating arguments effectively.

Components of an Argument

1. Conclusion: This is the main point that the author is trying to establish. It is the statement that is being argued for.
2. Premises: These are the reasons or evidence provided to support the conclusion. Premises offer an underlying foundation to the argument.
3. Assumption: This is an unstated belief or principle that must hold true for the argument to be valid. If the assumption is false, the validity of the argument is compromised.

Example: Analyzing an Argument

Consider the following argument:

"Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease. Therefore, people who want to maintain heart health should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables."

• Conclusion: People should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables to maintain heart health.
• Premise: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Assumption: There are no other significant factors affecting heart disease beyond diet.

Strengthening and Weakening Arguments

In GRE reasoning questions, you will often be asked to identify statements that strengthen or weaken an argument. Understanding how different evidence affects the argument can help you answer these questions correctly.

Strengthening Arguments

Strengthening evidence adds support to the conclusion or reinforces the premises.

Example

For the previous argument, if you were to hear:

"Studies show that individuals who consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily have significantly lower heart disease rates."

This strengthens the argument because it provides statistical support that reinforces the premise.

Weakening Arguments

Weakening evidence undermines the argument by presenting alternative information or contradictions.

Example

What if we say:

"Research indicates that genetic factors play a more significant role in heart disease than diet."

This weakens the argument because it introduces the idea that diet may not be the primary factor in heart health, contradicting the conclusion drawn in the original argument.

Identifying Assumptions

Identifying assumptions is crucial in assessing the strength of an argument. An assumption will often fill a gap in reasoning that must be true for the conclusion to hold.

Example of Assumption Identification

Using the argument about fruits and vegetables:

Premise: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease.

Conclusion: Therefore, people who want to maintain heart health should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.

The assumption here might be:

Eating a diet lacking fruits and vegetables significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

If this assumption is false, the conclusion may not necessarily follow.

Recognizing Relevant vs. Irrelevant Choices

GRE questions often present answer choices that include both relevant and irrelevant information. It is essential to discern which options are pertinent to the argument.

Strategies for Differentiation

1. Focus on the Conclusion: Always keep the conclusion in mind. Does the choice support, weaken, or assume the conclusion?
2. Eliminate Obvious Irrelevancies: If an answer choice introduces new information not related to the premises or conclusion, it can typically be disregarded.
3. Context Matters: Pay attention to the argument's context. Sometimes relevant information may appear irrelevant at first glance because it addresses a different aspect of the argument.

Worked Examples and Practice

Practice is key to mastering reasoning and argument questions. Here are some examples to illustrate the concepts discussed.

Example 1: An Argument Breakdown

"Because School A has a low graduation rate, it must be providing poor quality education."

• Conclusion: School A is providing poor quality education.
• Premise: School A has a low graduation rate.
• Assumption: Low graduation rates are indicative of poor education.

Example 2: Strengthening the Argument

Consider the statement:

"Exercise is good for mental health. Therefore, individuals who exercise regularly will have better mental health than those who do not."

What strengthens this argument?

• A supporting statistic that shows a correlation between exercise and improved mental health outcomes.

Example 3: Weaken the Argument

"Low-income households typically have higher rates of health issues. Therefore, poverty is the primary cause of poor health."

What could weaken this argument?

• A counterexample showing that households with higher incomes can also have poor health due to other factors such as lifestyle choices or access to healthcare.

Conclusion

Mastering reasoning and argument questions is a crucial step in preparing for the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. By understanding the structure of arguments, identifying conclusions, premises, and assumptions, and recognizing how different choices affect arguments, you will enhance both your critical thinking skills and your exam performance. With diligent practice and application of these concepts, you will be well-equipped to tackle this segment of the GRE confidently.

Study Notes

• Arguments consist of conclusions, premises, and assumptions.
• Strengthening evidence bolsters an argument; weakening evidence detracts from it.
• Assumptions fill gaps in reasoning; identifying them is crucial for validity.
• Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant choices sharpens critical analysis skills.
• Practice is essential — utilize various argument examples to refine your understanding.