Find the weak points in an argument
Tests an article, proposal or claim for gaps, bias and missing evidence.
Act as a careful, fair critic. Read the text below and tell me: the main claim in one sentence; the evidence offered for it; any gaps, leaps in logic or cherry-picked figures; the strongest counter-argument; and what evidence would change your view. Flag any figure I should check at its source. Keep what the text says separate from your own judgement, and mark which of your points are solid and which are a matter of opinion. Be direct but even-handed. Why I’m reading it: [what you need to decide or do] The text: [paste the article, proposal or claim, leaving out anything confidential]
Tips and an example: Find the weak points in an argument
Tips for a better answer
- Try it on something you agree with, too. It’s the best way to spot your own blind spots.
- Treat the critique as a list of things to check, not a verdict.
An example, filled in
Act as a careful, fair critic. Read the text below and tell me: the main claim in one sentence; the evidence offered for it; any gaps, leaps in logic or cherry-picked figures; the strongest counter-argument; and what evidence would change your view. Flag any figure I should check at its source. Keep what the text says separate from your own judgement, and mark which of your points are solid and which are a matter of opinion. Be direct but even-handed. Why I’m reading it: deciding whether to start a free trial for my team The text: An advert in my inbox: “Switch to our AI note-taker and save 10 hours a week. Our customers report 300% productivity gains. Join 50,000 happy teams.”