Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Weakening Questions
Classical musical instruments are very complex and demand a lot of practice and theoretical knowledge to master. To a child, learning the intricacies of such an instrument is very challenging and because of the concentration needed, most children will tire fairly quickly. Since this leads to a slow learning pace, strict discipline should be maintained to avoid wasting time when teaching children how to play such musical instruments.
Which of the following, if true, calls the argument's conclusion into question?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion. The method of teaching the theoretical and practical aspects of music is irrelevant to the effects of discipline on the learning speed, so it cannot help us undermine the conclusion.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion as we are not told how these children attained their high levels - was discipline maintained in their learning process? Since we do not know this, it cannot help us undermine the conclusion.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion that discipline should be used to teach music to children. The second premise tells us that children are challenged by learning to play such instruments. Therefore, the fact that they are relatively easy to play in comparison to the instruments they evolved from is irrelevant.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens the conclusion, but you are required to weaken it. Providing another reason why discipline is needed in the learning process directly supports the conclusion that it is conducive to a child's learning.
Yes!
[[snippet]]This answer choice attacks the underlying assumption of the conclusion. If stressing the progress in the learning process makes it less efficient, then strict discipline may not be a good method of speeding up the learning.
