Strengthen/Weaken Q - using the negation test

[brandonhsi]

I found using the negation test is very useful for Strengthen/Weaken questions. For example, for harder strengthen questions, it is not easy to tell if one answer choice strengthens the argument, but after negating the answer choice, it is much easier to tell if the negated choice weakens the argument than telling the answer choice strengthens the argument.

I believe it is because sometimes it is easier to look it from the opposite perspective.

I want to ask if there is any caveat with this test.

Thanks!

[tommywallach]

Hey Brandon,

Hmm. This is not the use of the negation test that we recommend, to be totally honest. The negation test is when you negate an answer on an ASSUMPTION question, because the correct negation will always DESTROY the argument.

Switching the answers on a weaken question in order to see if it strengthens seems like a long way around, to be honest. Not only do you have to worry about negating it, wasting time, but you're still only considering the effect on the argument. I mean, if it works for you, you can keep doing it, but I can't say I'd recommend it! : )

-t