Week 8: Identifying Arguments

Question 1

Steps to argument analysis

Answer 1

1. Identify
2. Reconstruct
3. Evaluate

Question 2

Principle of Charity

Answer 2

When reconstructing an argument, try to make the argument as strong as possible

Question 3

Steps to identifying an argument

Answer 3

1. Look for an author’s conclusion
2. Then ask yourself: Does the author have premises or evidence of the conclusion?

Question 4

Argumentative writing

Answer 4

Gives reasons or evidence to establish the truth of a particular claim

Question 5

Descriptive writing

Answer 5

Describes a person, object, or event

Question 6

Rhetorical writing:

Answer 6

Asserts author’s opinion, but doesn’t offer reasons