Identifying Language In a Prompt Flashcards
“Assumption” or “to assume”
Identify what author must assume in order for the argument to be valid
Assumption
“Strengthen the conclusion…”
“Provides the most support for the conclusion…”
Select the answer choice that provides the most support for the author’s argument or
strengthens it in some way
Strengthen
“Weaken,” “undermine,” “call into question,” etc…
Attack or undermine the author’s argument
Weaken
“most vulnerable to criticism,” “flawed,” “reasoning error,” etc…
Describe, in abstract terms, the error of reasoning committed by the author. Think about what is wrong with the argument.
Flaw
“Most supported by the statements above”
“Must also be true”
“Properly inferred from”
“Completes the arguments”
Inference
Principal Scenario
“Principal” or “proposition” (principle is stated in the stimulus)
The correct answer choice will:
Describe a scenario in a which the principal stated in the stimulus is applied logically and accurately
Scenario Principal
“Principal” or “Proposition (principles are stated in the answer choices)
The correct answer choice will:
Describe a principle that justifies the argument or decision in this stimulus
“explain,” “resolve,” “contradiction,” “discrepancy,” “helps to account for”
Stimulus contains a discrepancy or seeming contradiction. Find the answer choice that
resolves this situation
Paradox
Identify the answer choice that contains reasoning most similar in structure to the
reasoning presented in the stimulus.
“pattern of reasoning most similar to…” “most similar to the flawed reasoning in…”
Parallel reasoning
“same pattern of flawed reasoning…” “most similar to the flawed reasoning in…”
Parallel Flaw
Describe, in abstract terms, the way in which the author made their argument.
“argument proceeds by…” “describes the manner in which…” “describes the argumentative technique…”
Method of argument
“Most accurately describes the role played in the argument by…”
Role of Statement
“Evaluate,” “useful to know,” “helpful to know in order to…”
Decide which answer choice allows you to determine the logical validity of the argument
Evaluative Conclusion
Identify a point of contention between 2 speakers
“Disagree,” “point at issue”
Point at Issue
“Agree”
Point of agreement
