Argument Basics

Question 1

What is another word for a reason in an argument?

Answer 1

Another word for a “reason” in an argument is “premise”.

Question 2

What is an assumption in an argument?

Answer 2

In an argument, an assumption is an unstated reason that is essential for our conclusion to make sense.

Question 3

What are the two essential components of an argument?

Answer 3

An argument must have at least one reason leading to a conclusion.

Question 4

What is an intermediate conclusion?

Answer 4

An intermediate conclusion is a conclusion that becomes a reason for the final conclusion.

Question 5

What is a counter argument?

Answer 5

A counter argument is an argument that goes against our main conclusion.

Question 6

What is a dismissal?

Answer 6

A dismissal is the reasoning we use to say why our counter argument isn’t strong enough to destroy our main conclusion.

Question 7

What is a counter assertion?

Answer 7

A counter assertion is simply a claim that goes against our main conclusion.

Question 8

Is the conclusion always at the top of a paragraph?

Answer 8

The conclusion of an argument could be anywhere. It is more often in the top paragraph to two…but not necessarily.

Question 9

Where is the conclusion of an argument to be found?

Answer 9

The conclusion of an argument could be in any paragraph.

Question 10

What is the conclusion “test”?

Answer 10

To test for a conclusion, use the “therefore” test.

Question 11

How does the “therefore” test work?

Answer 11

The “therefore test works like this…
Choose a possible reason and a possible conclusion. Then, put the word “therefore” in between. If it makes sense, maybe you have found your conclusion.
E.g. We need to remember more our our class work THEREFORE we should do memory study like doing flash cards. Yeah.