Standardization stages

Question 1

Interpertation

Answer 1

Read the text carefully to make sure that you have understood it.

Question 2

Argument identification

Answer 2

Determine that the text contains an argument.

Question 3

Argument analysis

Answer 3

Identify the premises and conclusions of the argument by attending to the context and presence of indicator words.

Question 4

Removal of logically irrelevant material

Answer 4

Remove logically irrelevant material, like asides, background information, introductory remarks, personal comments and repetitions.

Question 5

Complete statements

Answer 5

Paraphrase the premises and conclusion if necessary to obtain complete statements; premises and conclusion must not be formulated as commands, exclamations or questions.

Question 6

Argument dissection

Answer 6

Make sure that each premise as well as the conclusion consists of a single claim, since combining multiple claims in a single premise or conclusion can distort the argument’s form.

Question 7

Numbering

Answer 7

Number the premises, the conclusion, and arrange them in standard form with the premises preceding the conclusion.

Question 8

Comparison

Answer 8

compare the standardized argument with the original text to make sure that nothing essential was omitted or anything inessential admitted into the standardized argument.