Here are some ways that the question might ask you to weaken the argument’s main conclusion:
Arguments are either valid or invalid. Therefore, if you’re being asked to weaken an argument, it must be flawed in at least one way. Ideally, you’ve already pinpointed a flaw by actively engaging with the passage right off the bat. If not, here’s how to spot a flaw:
Imagine that the opposing counsel is making this argument and it’s your job to disprove it. Even if you don’t predict the correct answer word for word, identifying flaws will give you a head start on finding the argument’s most glaring weak points.
The answer choices will give you new evidence. The correct answer will make you doubt the conclusion without directly contradicting the evidence stated in the passage.
Consider this argument:
Partner John will be a good fit at our firm because he has worked at two other prestigious law firms.
The correct answer might say something like:
(B) John only worked at each firm for two weeks.
This new evidence doesn’t contradict the premises—he still worked at two prestigious law firms—but it does cast doubt on the conclusion that he would be a good fit by raising a potential problem. What if his experience at those firms isn’t as significant as the argument implies?
Don’t skip an answer just because it doesn’t address the points raised in the original argument. Here’s another potentially correct answer:
(C) John recently broke up with Sally, our firm’s managing partner.
This new evidence has nothing to do with the original premises, nor does it contradict them, but it does give us a new reason to doubt whether he would be a good fit at the firm.
As you read the choices, ask yourself: Does this answer choice hurt the main conclusion more than the other four? Here’s how: