What are the common traps in Weaken the argument questions?

Cost ≠ failure: "hundreds of trees will be cut" is a cost, not a reason widening will not cut jams. Strengtheners in disguise: "teachers ask front-row students more questions" suggests the seat helps. Hints vs causes: pick the option that names the other cause.

Start here · the first lesson of Weaken the argument

Weaken the argument

Critical Reasoning / Verbal Reasoning · for IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT

The idea

A weakener is a new fact that makes the conclusion less likely. It attacks the assumption. With cause claims, the classic weakener is another cause; with plans, it is a reason the plan cannot work. Indore asks this inside RC; Rohtak in standalone CR.

Textbook vs exam method

Textbook method

Find the conclusion and the evidence.
State the assumption.
Choose the option that makes the assumption false or doubtful.

Exam method

Same time, so it caused it?. Look for another change at the same time (monsoon, lockdown, new books).
Comparison. the same change where the supposed cause was absent (towns without a factory) is a strong weakener.
Reverse cause. keen students choose front seats; the seat does not make them keen.
Plan. customers will switch away; illness, not choice, causes absences; litter comes from the sea.
Ignore. costs, delays, popularity and other places unless they hit the link.