1) have words that are too strong such as all, never, etc.

Such words may well be correct in sufficient assumption and stn/wkn questions. See: https://www.beatthegmat.com/strengthen-t ... tml#246583. (They may be correct even in some necessary assumption questions.)

especially for strengthen/weaken questions, show that one of the answers are going in a different direction from the other four (ex. see that one answers strengthens while the other four weakens without reading the passage beforehand)

It may be difficult to judge directionality without the context of the argument (especially if some of the choices are directionless).

On CR questions, is it ever a good idea to go through the answers before reading the passage

I think it is an interesting idea, and it's one I've never heard or thougt about before. But, my first reaction is that it is risky. Will it save you time?...not so sure about that. You will likely be able to eliminate obviously wrong choices more quickly after reading the argument rather than before. So, I think the risks outweigh any possible benefits related to saving time.

I agree with Testluv, it might take you longer but give it a try and see how long it takes you.

You need to find a technique that works for you. You could try reading the passage first, then argument, than answers. This seems to work for me as it allows me to focus 100% on the passage to understand it and think of any possible problems with it as I read. I found that by reading the argument first, I was focusing in too much on the passage to find the assumption/strengthener/weakener rather than actually understanding it. This is the Kaplan method but it doesnt work for me. Figure out what works for you. Good luck!

bichoo,

Sounds like the PowerScore method. Is that what you're talking about? I'm going through that book right now. We'll see if it helps.

Thanks,
Cin