Intro to arguments

Question 1

a claim that expresses what the arguer is trying to persuade us to accept, whether or not it actually is true

Answer 1

main conclusion

Question 2

the arguer provides these statements in order to show us that the conclusion is true

Answer 2

evidence

Question 3

other names for evidence

Answer 3

premises or support

Question 4

simple argument structure

Answer 4

conclusion + evidence

Question 5

claim that acts as both a conclusion and evidence

Answer 5

intermediate conclusion

Question 6

complex argument structure

Answer 6

conclusion + evidence + intermediate conclusion

Question 7

provided to us in order to “set the stage” and orient us to the situation

Answer 7

background info

Question 8

argument structure common on LSAT

Answer 8

conclusion + evidence + background info

Question 9

primary goal on argument-based questions

Answer 9

rephrase argument in its “conclusion - support” form to keep it simple

Question 10

signal words for conclusion

Answer 10

thus; therefore; hence; so; conclude; it follows that; as a result; clearly; obviously; nevertheless; nonetheless

Question 11

how do you identify relevant evidence?

Answer 11

“why?” “why does the arguer believe [that conclusion]?”

Question 12

signal words for evidence

Answer 12

because; since; after all; on the grounds that; given that; for; as shown by