- Briefly state how the text defines “claim.”
- Reread the section in the text entitled “Two Confusions to Avoid” in Chapter 5. From what you read there, construct a definition of the term “argument” that includes both what the term is, in the context of this chapter, and what it is not.
- What questions does the text suggest we ask to distinguish conclusions and reasons?
- What are the component premises are there in the following statement: "If it weren’t for how much it costs and how big it is, I’d buy that TV for our bedroom."
- Below are four common misconceptions about mapping an argument. Choose any two and briefly explain why each is wrong.
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o When making an analysis and map of another person’s argument, you should correct obvious mistakes.
o Every line of reasoning in an argument map eventually leads to a conclusion.
o Unless the speaker actually states a reason, we can’t tell what they are thinking.
o In analyzing and mapping the statements in an argument, context is not important