How to Strengthen an Argument

Use the following points to effectively strengthen arguments:
1. Identify the conclusion—this is what you are trying to strengthen!
Because Strengthen questions are the polar opposite of Weaken
questions, the correct approach to supporting an LSAT argument is to
help the author’s conclusion. When evaluating an answer, ask yourself,
“Would this answer choice assist the author in some way?” If so, you
have the correct answer.
2. Personalize the argument.
Personalizing allows you to see the argument from a very involved
perspective and helps you assess the strength of each answer.
3. Look for weaknesses in the argument.
This may seem like a strange recommendation since your task is to
strengthen the argument, but a weak spot in an argument is tailor-made
for an answer that eliminates that weakness. If you see a weakness or
flaw in the argument, look for an answer that eliminates the weakness.
In other words, close any gap or hole in the argument.
Many Strengthen questions require students to find the missing link
between a premise and the conclusion. These missing links are
assumptions made by the author, and bringing an assumption to light
strengthens the argument because it validates part of the author’s
thinking. This idea will be discussed further in the Assumption section of this chapter.
4. Arguments that contain analogies or use surveys rely upon the validity
of those analogies and surveys. Answer choices that strengthen the
analogy or survey, or establish their soundness, are usually correct.
5. Remember that the correct answer can strengthen the argument just a
little or a lot. This variation is what makes these questions difficult.