Argument Structure

Question 1

Premise

Answer 1

information used by the author to support some claim or conclusion. Fact or opinion (core)

Question 2

Conclusion

Answer 2

primary claim author is trying to prove or the outcome of a plan that someone is proposing. Is supported, does not support. Most, but not all arguments contain it (core)

Question 3

Background

Answer 3

context to allow you understand the basic situation. True but does not either support or go against the conclusion

Question 4

Counterpoint / counterpremise

Answer 4

a piece of information that goes against the author’s conclusion

Question 5

Assumptions

Answer 5

something that is not stated in the argument but that the author must believe to be true in order to draw the conclusion. Not explicitly state

Question 6

How to determine if it is an Intermediate Conclusion (premise) or Conclusion?

Answer 6

Use because … therefore …

becase (IC) therefore (C)

Question 7

Causation questions tend to test…

Answer 7

potential other causes

Question 8

Plan questions tend to test…

Answer 8

A plan may fail if steps don’t work as anticipated or unexpected issues arise

Question 9

Prediction questions tend to test…

Answer 9

No other circumstances can intervene that could work against the prediction

Question 10

Profit questions tend to test…

Answer 10

Profit = Revenue - Cost
Must address both elements of profit

Question 11

Question type: describe the role
(structure)

Answer 11

identify the roles

Question 12

Question type: describe the argument
(structure)

Answer 12

describe how a certain piece of information affects the argument

Question 13

Question type: find the assumption (assumption)

Answer 13

identify an unstated assumption

Question 14

Question type: strengthen the argument (assumption)

Answer 14

identify a new piece of information that strengthens the authors argument

Question 15

Question type: weaken the argument (assumption)

Answer 15

identify a new piece of information that weakens the authors argument

Question 16

Question type: evaluate the argument (assumption)

Answer 16

identify a new piece of information that would help determine the soundness of the argument

Question 17

Question type: find the flaw (assumption)

Answer 17

identify something illogical

Question 18

Question type: inference (evidence)

Answer 18

identify something that must be true based on the given information

Question 19

Question type: explain the discrepancy (evidence)

Answer 19

identify a new piece of information that resolves some apparent paradox in the argument