Critical Thinking/ Argument

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

Using reasons to support a point so that known or unknown audiences may be persuaded to agree.

Question 2

Overall Argument

Answer 2

The overall argument presents: - Authors position - Consists of contributing arguments

Question 3

Contributing Arguments

Answer 3

Individual reasons or points make up the contributing arguments

Question 4

Assertions

Answer 4

Statements made without any supporting evidence or justification.

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Reasoning should lead towards an endpoint. The conclusion summarises the author’s main position. The conclusion is drawn from the deductions, evidence or reasonings.

Question 6

Conclusion - Intermediate Conclusion

Answer 6

The author may draw an interim conclusion during the course of an argument.

Question 7

Internal Consistency

Answer 7

An argument is internally consistent when all parts of the line or reasoning contribute to the conclusion. A piece of writing that is internally consistent may be inconsistent with evidence seen in the field.

Question 8

Logical Consistency

Answer 8

Arguments are logically consistent when the reasons are provided in a logical manner. The best order, with each linked to a previous argument so as to build up the case. Logically consistent also means internally consistent. Logical consistency means the reasons support the conclusion.

Question 9

Discursive

Answer 9

Discursive writing develops and elaborates argument, moving from one point to the next, in a given direction.

Question 10

Line of Reasoning

Answer 10

Line of reasoning - established through the order in which the reasons and evidence are presented. It should be clear to the reader how the argument is structured. Line of reasoning should have a clear direction, with one piece of reasoning leading in an obvious way to the next, rather than hopping from one point to the next in a random way confusing the audience.

Question 11

Logical Order `

Answer 11

Good arguments present reasons and evidence in a structured way so that information builds on what has already been said - ties into “line of reasoning”.

Question 12

Position

Answer 12

Where you stand in the academic debates. Your point of view.

Question 13

Predicate

Answer 13

Foundation of an argument; the aims of the argument; the underlying point of view; assumptions that underlie the argument. The view was predicated on the Marxist interpretation of wealth.

Question 14

Premises

Answer 14

Propositions believed to be true and used as the basis for the argument; Building blocks of the argument. The reasons for believing the conclusion is true.

Question 15

False Premise

Answer 15

Premises that are not well-founded.

Question 16

Reasons

Answer 16

Reasons support the arguments.

Question 17

Independent Reasons

Answer 17

Author may use several reasons to support the conclusion which may be valid in their own right and have nothing to do with other reasons given.

Question 18

Joint Reasons

Answer 18

Reasons provided to support an argument which are connected in some way and mutually reinforce each other

Question 19

Substantive Point

Answer 19

This is the central point to your argument. A device used to focus attention on your main point.

Question 20

Tautology

Answer 20

Unnecessary repetition of words or when the author makes the same point twice but in different wording.