Unit 1

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

An attempt to persuade a reader (or listener) to accept something. An argument must have a conclusion and at least one reason.

Question 2

Conclusion

Answer 2

The statement of something that the writer (or speaker) wants the reader (or listener) to accept based on the reasons given

Question 3

Reason

Answer 3

A statement that aims to persuade the reader to accept a conclusion

Question 4

Claims

Answer 4

A statement that does not have any reasons to support it, and thus is not a full argument and can be challenged

Question 5

Argument indicators

Answer 5

A word or short phrase that helps the reader to identify the elements of an argument
Indicating a reason: because, as, since, due to, such as
Indicating a conclusion: therefore, so, thus, it follows that, consequently, should, ought

Question 6

Counter-argument

Answer 6

An additional argument that is against, or counter to, what the conclusion seeks to establish. The writer normally presents the counter-argument in order to dismiss it

Question 7

Counter-assertion

Answer 7

When the writer presents a reason that would support the opponent’s argument, rather than their full argument, the writer is making a counter-assertion/claim.

Question 8

Hypothetical Claim

Answer 8

A claim that is in the form “If [this], then [that].” Indicator words include: if, provided that, on condition that, given that

Question 9

Hypothetical Reasoning

Answer 9

Looks at the consequences that might occur if something were the case

Question 10

Assumption

Answer 10

The missing reason in an argument; the writer has accepted the assumption, but not stated it. The assumption is essential for the conclusion to be drawn

Question 11

Fact

Answer 11

Information that can be verified and is held to be true

Question 12

Factual claim

Answer 12

A statement or judgment based on information that is verified and held to be true

Question 13

Evidence

Answer 13

Something that is used to develop or support a reason. Evidence is often in the form of numerical data, an estimate or a factual claim

Question 14

Example

Answer 14

Something which is used as evidence because it is characteristic of the same kind of things or because it can serve to illustrate a principle

Question 15

Credibility

Answer 15

Whether someone’s claims or evidence can be believed

Question 16

Plausibility

Answer 16

Whether or not a claim or piece of evidence is reasonable

Question 17

Credibility Criteria

Answer 17

the method of determining a person’s credibility - RAVEN (reputation, ability to see, vested interest, expertise, neutrality)

Question 18

Ability to Perceive

Answer 18

A source’s ability to use any of the five senses to assess the situation

Question 19

Corroboration

Answer 19

Confirmation of, or support for, evidence given by one source by another source

Question 20

Inconsistency

Answer 20

When evidence or an argument contains two claims which cannot be correct at the same time

Question 21

Bias

Answer 21

Tendency to be prejudiced against or in favour of certain beliefs or people. This gives a motive or subconscious reason to lie, misrepresent or distort information

Question 22

Neutrality

Answer 22

Being impartial; having no reason to favour either side in a dispute or difference of opinion

Question 23

Vested interest

Answer 23

Personal interest, usually financial, in a state of affairs or in an organisation leading to the expectation of personal gain from a favourable outcome

Question 24

Motive

Answer 24

A factor that may cause a person to act in a particular way

Question 25

Expertise

Answer 25

Skills, experience and training that give someone specialist knowledge and judgement

Question 26

Reputation

Answer 26

What is generally said or believed about the character of a person or an organisation