In Weaken questions, which language is preferred in the answer choices?

In Weaken questions, which language is preferred in the answer choices?

• A. Neutral
• B. Ambiguous
• C. Strong
• D. Weak

Answer: (C)

In weaken questions, you want a statement that makes the argument look less convincing by directly challenging its support. Using strong, decisive language in the answer choices is best because it clearly shows how the conclusion could fail if that choice were true. Neutral or hedged wording (like “could,” “might,” or “perhaps”) often doesn’t force the conclusion to fail—the argument can still stand under uncertainty. Ambiguous or irrelevant statements likewise don’t reliably weaken the argument. A strong option gives a concrete reason to doubt the conclusion, such as undermining a key premise, casting doubt on the evidence, or proposing a clearly competing explanation. That clarity and force is why the correct choice uses strong language.

In weaken questions, you want a statement that makes the argument look less convincing by directly challenging its support. Using strong, decisive language in the answer choices is best because it clearly shows how the conclusion could fail if that choice were true. Neutral or hedged wording (like “could,” “might,” or “perhaps”) often doesn’t force the conclusion to fail—the argument can still stand under uncertainty. Ambiguous or irrelevant statements likewise don’t reliably weaken the argument. A strong option gives a concrete reason to doubt the conclusion, such as undermining a key premise, casting doubt on the evidence, or proposing a clearly competing explanation. That clarity and force is why the correct choice uses strong language.