Helpful to know | Quick guide

In this question, you’re asked what information would be most or least useful in evaluating the argument. These are similar to strengthen and weaken questions, in that you’ll identify what information would make the argument better or worse. It can be much easier to make a prediction on these question types if you can detect the gaps in the reasoning.

✓ Identify the conclusion and support: Make sure to separate the conclusion from the support—this will make the gap in the argument more visible to you. It can also be helpful to phrase the argument’s structure to yourself as, “The arguer believes [conclusion], because [support]” in order to detect any leaps in logic or scope.

✓ Look for gaps: Is there specific information that you wish you had, so that you could either side or disagree with the arguer? If so, that’s your prediction!

✓ Look for common patterns: For example, if the conclusion is causal, consider alternative theories or additional support. Keep common argument structures and common flaws in mind.

✓ Test the choices by turning them into a question: Try phrasing each choice as a yes/no question that needs to be answered, and then assess how "yes" and "no" answers (or other opposite answers, if the choices aren't in a helpful yes/no form) would affect the argument. Would a "yes" answer strengthen the argument and a "no" answer weaken the argument, for example? If so, then you have the correct choice!