1. Argument Structure Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are the 5 building blocks of arguments?
Premise (core)
Conclusion (core)
Background Information
Counterpoint/Counterpremise
Assumption
Define “Premise”
Information used by the author to support a conclusion. Part of the core, present in every argument. Can be fact, opinion, description, data, or comparison. Signal words: “because of,” “since,” “due to,” “as a result of”
Define “Conclusion”
The primary claim the author is trying to prove or outcome of a proposed plan. Part of the core, present in most arguments. Supported by at least one premise. Signal words: “therefore,” “thus,” “so,” “consequently”
Define “Background Information”
Provides context to understand the basic situation. NOT part of the core, not always present. True information that doesn’t support or oppose the conclusion. Usually fact-based.
Define “Counterpoint/Counterpremise”
Information that goes against the author’s conclusion. NOT part of the core, only present occasionally. Signal words: “although,” “though,” “however,” “yet,” “but”
Define “Assumption”
Something the author must believe to be true to draw the given conclusion. NOT part of the core, not written in the argument. If the assumption is false, the argument fails.
What is “The Core” of an argument?
The Core = Premise(s) + Conclusion. Represents what the author is trying to tell you or prove. All arguments have at least a partial core.
What is an Intermediate Conclusion?
Both a claim AND a premise. It supports the final conclusion. Also known as a secondary conclusion. Creates a chain: Premise → Intermediate Conclusion → Final Conclusion
How do you use the Therefore Test?
When you see two potential conclusions:
“BECAUSE A, THEREFORE B”
“BECAUSE B, THEREFORE A”
The claim that follows “therefore” in the logical scenario is the final conclusion.
What are the signal words for Premises?
“because,” “since,” “due to,” “as a result of,” “because of,” “for,” “after all”
What are the signal words for Conclusions?
“therefore,” “thus,” “so,” “consequently”
What are the signal words for Counterpoints?
“although,” “though,” “however,” “yet,” “but,” “whereas,” “despite”
What are Cause and Effect signal words?
“consequently,” “for this reason,” “following this,” “as a result”
What are Contrast signal words?
“however,” “but,” “yet,” “nevertheless,” “even so”
What are Concession signal words?
“although,” “whereas,” “despite,” “while it is true that,” “even though”
What characterizes a Causation argument?
Circumstances are presented and the conclusion proposes a particular cause for those circumstances. Key question: What else might have caused the observed result?
What characterizes a Plan argument?
Proposes a course of action to achieve a specific goal. The goal = conclusion. Signal words: “in order to,” “simply to.” Key question: Will the plan work as expected?
What characterizes a Prediction argument?
Concludes with a prediction of a future event. Key question: What other circumstances could intervene to prevent the prediction?
What characterizes a Profit argument?
Sub-category of predictions focusing on whether profits will increase or decrease. Remember: Profit = Revenue - Cost
What are the three essential questions to ask for every CR problem?
What is this author actually arguing?
What are the pieces of this argument?
How do they fit together?
What is the step-by-step approach to CR problems?
Identify the structure (label each sentence)
Understand the logic (how premises support conclusion)
Find the gaps (assumptions, weaknesses)
Approach answer choices skeptically
What should you look for when analyzing argument logic?
Scope shifts
Time shifts
Causal assumptions (correlation ≠ causation)
Comparison issues
Missing information
Alternative explanations
Why are counterpoints dangerous in CR questions?
They introduce multiple opportunities for traps by making test-takers think the counterpoint is a premise or by confusing the conclusion direction.
How can you tell if something is Background vs. Premise?
Background provides context but doesn’t support or oppose the conclusion. Premises directly support the conclusion. Ask: “Does this information help prove the author’s main point?”
