Identifying arguments set out in the passage
What is Identifying arguments set out in the passage?
A set of statements, one of which (the conclusion) is claimed to follow from the others (the premises).
Key points
- To identify the conclusion of an argument presented in a passage.
- To identify the premises used to support the conclusion.
- To understand the relationship between premises and conclusion.
- To differentiate between an argument and other types of statements.
Common exam trap
Confusing the conclusion with a premise.
Definitions
- Term
Argument
- Meaning
A set of statements, one of which (the conclusion) is claimed to follow from the others (the premises).
- Term
Conclusion
- Meaning
The statement in an argument that is claimed to be supported by the premises.
- Term
Premise
- Meaning
A statement in an argument that provides reason or support for the conclusion.
- Term
Indicator Words
- Meaning
Words or phrases that often signal the presence of premises or conclusions (e.g., 'because', 'therefore').
Learning objectives
To identify the conclusion of an argument presented in a passage.
To identify the premises used to support the conclusion.
To understand the relationship between premises and conclusion.
To differentiate between an argument and other types of statements.
Prerequisites
Basic reading comprehension skills.
Understanding of sentence structure and meaning.
Familiarity with logical connectors (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'or').
Common mistakes
Confusing the conclusion with a premise.
Mistaking a statement of fact or opinion for a conclusion.
Failing to identify all premises supporting a conclusion.
Overlooking implicit premises (reasons not explicitly stated but assumed).
Getting distracted by irrelevant information in the passage.
Keywords
Argument
Conclusion
Premise
Reasoning
Logic
Passage Analysis
Critical Thinking
Indicator Words
Logical Structure
Practice preview
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