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GRE Critical Reasoning weaken the argument questions present a short argument with stated facts, a conclusion, and a gap in reasoning, which we call the missing link. The correct weaken answer targets this missing link and reduces the strength of the conclusion by exposing a flaw, a weakness, or an unsupported connection. Unlike strengthen or assumption questions, the goal here is not to add support but to disrupt the reasoning that holds the argument together. This overview shows you how to identify such answers by focusing on options that directly undermine the connection between the evidence and the conclusion. A part of the GRE prep course by Experts’ Global, the detailed video below explains this approach clearly, applies it to GRE-style examples, and prepares you to use it effectively in your further GRE practice drills, GRE sectional practice, and GRE full-length practice.
In CR weakening questions, you are given a short paragraph, usually between sixty and one hundred words, that presents an argument with clear reasoning and a conclusion. The question asks you how the argument can be weakened, with common phrasing like “which option most weakens the argument,” “most seriously undermines the argument,” or “most damages the inference drawn.” These questions are typically in a multiple-choice format, with five answer choices.
A weakening statement reduces the strength of an argument’s conclusion when added to it. A CR passage has two main parts: a premise and a conclusion. The premise presents the facts, and the conclusion presents the main point of the argument. In most CR passages, the conclusion does not logically follow from the premise, and the gap between the two is the missing link. Identifying this missing link is key to solving most CR questions, as weakening statements directly target this gap. By attacking the missing link, weakening statements clearly and effectively reduce the strength of the argument.
A weakening statement reduces the strength of an argument by directly challenging its conclusion. A valid weakening statement targets the weakness in the reasoning and focuses on the missing link in the argument. It may also introduce additional information that weakens the conclusion and lowers its support. Weakening and strengthening share a similar logical foundation because both focus on the relationship between the premise and the conclusion. However, they differ in their objectives: weakening aims to reduce the argument’s strength, while strengthening aims to increase it.
Start by reading the question and clearly identifying it as a weakening question. Then, read the paragraph carefully while creating a clear mind map. As you read, connect the key points to build a logical train of thought, ensuring the mind map leads to a clear and identifiable conclusion. Identify the missing link in the argument, as this step is crucial. Form a broad expectation of what the correct answer choice should look like. Focus on how weakening statements attack the missing link and reduce the strength of the argument. Use a simple grid approach to eliminate answer choices efficiently.
The passage presents an argument that connects a specific economic outcome to the evaluation of a political party. It concludes that sustained GDP growth during a five-year tenure indicates strong performance and justifies another term. The question asks you to identify which statement, if true, would most weaken this conclusion. The given answer option challenges the importance of GDP growth in evaluating political performance within Xitora’s political structure and directly targets the connection between GDP growth and how the political party’s performance is judged.
This choice weakens the argument by showing that GDP growth under the current government lags growth under earlier governments, thereby undermining the claim that the present administration performed well and merits another term.
The given answer choice questions whether the government played a significant role in achieving the reported GDP growth. This choice weakens the argument by challenging the claimed causal link between reported GDP growth and the government’s role in producing that outcome.
The given answer option evaluates the same 15 percent GDP growth by comparing it to Xitora’s past economic performance over a long historical period. This information challenges the conclusion by suggesting how the reported growth falls shorts in comparison with Xitora’s own past economic outcomes.
Correct Answer: E
For a detailed explanation of this question, please refer to the video presented earlier on this page.
Following is a concise, step-wise written explanation, using our Missing-Link Approach (MLA)…
The question asks for the statement that most weakens the argument.
The link between the identity of the initiator (Dogworth) and the reason for cancellation (wasteful spending).
The correct answer will suggest an alternative reason for the cancellations or show that the “rivalry” is not the primary driver. It should show that canceling Dogworth’s projects was a logical result of Giver’s goal to cut waste.
Correct Answer: E
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