Introduction to Critical Reasoning

Question 1

Major Question Types

Answer 1

Identify the Assumption
Weaken the Argument
Strengthen the Argument
Resolve the Paradox
Inference
Find the Conclusion
Evaluate the Argument
Logical Flaw
Complete the Passage 
Method of Reasoning 
Boldface

Question 2

Key Parts of an Argument

Answer 2

The conclusion

The evidence

The assumptions

The background information

Question 3

The conclusion

Answer 3

The sentence that states the argument’s point of view. A statement of opinion.

Therefore, in conclusion, so, clearly, hence, this shows that, it can be concluded that, should, ought to, as a result, thus, it follows that, accordingly

Question 4

Evidence or Premises are Facts that support the conclusion

Question 5

Assumptions

Answer 5

An unstated piece of information that must be true if the logic of the argument is to work.

Question 6

Essential words to Understand

Answer 6

“A Few” means “not many, but more than one”

“Several” means “three or more but not many”

“Some” means “more than one, but possibly all”

“Many” means “a large number of”

“Most” means “more than 50 percent”

“A Majority” means “more than 50 percent”

“A Minority” means “less than 50 percent”

“Solely” = “only”

“At least one” = “one or more”

“Exclusively” = “only”

“Uniquely” = “in a way connected to only one person or thing”

“Always” = All