Recognising Assumptions / Evaluating Arguments
Joe Wolfensohn
Teacher
Introduction - Strongest Argument Questions
What are Strongest Argument questions?
You are provided with a statement or a question and several arguments in response to it.
You must choose the strongest argument- the one that is the most relevant, logical and supportive of the original question or statement.
Example
Should cities ban cars from city centres?
A. Many people use cars to travel long distances.
B. Car-free zones reduce air pollution and improve public health.
C. Some businesses rely on delivery vehicles.
D. Public transport can sometimes be unreliable.
How do I evaluate which is the Strongest argument?
Relevance - the argument must relate directly to the question or issue presented.
Strong arguments are clear and specific - they are not vague or overly general.
Should be backed by reasoning or evidence not opinion or emotion.
Why are Strongest argument questions used in the UCAT?
Tests your ability to draw conclusions without personal bias, and to derive conclusions which are the most relevant and logical based on the given information.
Evaluates your ability to think critically and logically.
Measures your ability to think clearly under time pressure.
Worked Examples
Question 1 - Easy
Should schools ban mobile phones during school hours?
Which of the following is the strongest argument in favour of banning mobile phones during school hours?
A. Many students enjoy using their phones at school to talk to friends.
B. Some parents buy their children expensive smartphones.
C. Mobile phones can distract students from learning and reduce academic performance.
D. There are many different models of phones available on the market.
Answer
C. Mobile phones can distract students from learning and reduce academic performance.
Worked Solution
Eliminate the options which are not relevant to the question:
Option A - not relevant as it is irrelevant to the banning of mobile phones and would be a reason not to ban mobile phones.
Option B - not relevant as this issue is irrelevant to the idea of banning mobile phones.
Option D - the different models of phones available is irrelevant to the banning of mobile phones in schools.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.
Relevance - argument directly tied to the main goal of schools - education.
Logic - phones cause distractions → harm concentration → lower academic performance.
Specificity - specifically mentions how phones may affect school life - distraction from learning → reduced academic performance.
Question 2 - Medium
Should university education be funded entirely by the government?
Which of the following is the strongest argument against this proposal?
A. Not all students complete their university courses.
B. Universities offer a wide range of different subjects.
C. Government funding is limited and could be used for essential services like healthcare and housing.
D. Many students enjoy their time at university and make lifelong friends.
Answer
C. Government funding is limited and could be used for essential services like healthcare and housing.
Worked Solution
Eliminate the options which are not relevant to the question:
Option A - does not explain why government funding is a bad idea.
Option B - is irrelevant and does not argue against government funding.
Option D - does not argue against the proposal.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.
Relevance - relates to public funding priorities.
Logic - governments have limited budgets and spending money in university education could mean spending less on essential services.
Specificity - provides specific alternatives for government spending.
Question 3 - Hard
Should patients be allowed to access all of their medical records without restriction?
Which of the following is the strongest argument against allowing unrestricted access to medical records?
A. Some patients may misinterpret complex medical terminology and become unnecessarily anxious.
B. Doctors are trained to understand medical records, while patients are not.
C. Many hospitals already use electronic systems to manage patient records.
D. Medical records often include technical information like test results and clinical notes.
Answer
A. Some patients may misinterpret complex medical terminology and become unnecessarily anxious.
Worked Solution
Eliminate the options which are not relevant to the question:
Option B - does not explain the consequences of unrestricted access.
Option C - is irrelevant to the issue of access and just provides a fact.
Option D - does not explain why technical content should be restricted
Therefore, the correct answer is Option A.
Relevant - links to patient access.
Logic - explains why unrestricted access could be harmful.
Specificity - mentions anxiety as a real-world consequence.
Worked Examples Video