Lesson 2 - Arguments: Conclusions

Question 1

Conclusion words

Hence, therefore, thus & so

Answer 1

33% rule: in main point questions, it is a misdirection

95% rule: in assumption based questions, it identifies the main conclusion

Question 2

Conclusion ID Clues

since and because

Answer 2

(conclusion) since (evidence)
Since (evidence), (conclusion)
33% rule: in main point questions, it is a misdirection
95% rule: in assumption based questions, it identifies the main conclusion

“because” can be used in the same way above

Question 3

Conclusion ID clues

after all and for

Answer 3

(conclusion) after all (evidence)
(conclusion) for (evidence)

**strong identifier in all question types (no 33% or 95% rule)

Question 4

Conclusion ID clues

Chatty language

Answer 4

Chatty language adds authors point of view in a positive or negative attitude. The chattier, the more likely it is to ID the conclusion of the argument.
**strong identifier in all question types and in reading comp (no 33% or 95% rule)

Question 5

Conclusion ID clues

Substance - no conclusion identifies

Answer 5

Strategy: eliminate unlikely candidates for the conclusion and compare the best two options by asking which statement supports the other. The one supported is the conclusion.

Competing conclusion identifiers

Question 6

Contrast word

however and but

Answer 6

Determine what the pronouns refer to.
Will often use multiple POVs to distract from the authors POV

add more after lecture

Question 7

Directional language

Supported by and supports

Answer 7

(conclusion) this is supported by the fact that (evidence)

evidence) this supports the fact that (conclusion

Question 8

Superficial language

quite the contrary, i disagree, mistaken

Answer 8

Anti-conclusion: a statement in an argument that the speaker simply concludes is wrong.
(polar opposite is not the same as negating)

pg. 126 add more info after lecture