{"id":1704,"date":"2020-02-19T04:16:29","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T04:16:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/coreqenglish1\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1704"},"modified":"2025-02-19T00:37:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:37:09","slug":"analyzing-arguments","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/analyzing-arguments\/","title":{"raw":"Analyzing Arguments","rendered":"Analyzing Arguments"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Evaluate logical structures in arguments<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Analyzing Arguments<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sometimes an argument will have an\u00a0<b>unstated<\/b>\u00a0or\u00a0<b>suppressed premise<\/b>, rather than stating something outright.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Example: unstated premises<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Consider this highly unscientific poll conducted by a TV news station. \u201cWhich do you believe the senator is most out of touch with: illegal immigration, border security, or the American people?\u201d The pollster is operating as if it is unquestionable that the senator is out of touch with\u00a0<i>something<\/i>. In other words, the question presupposes that the senator is \u201cout of touch.\u201d However, this unstated premise is debatable once it is brought out into the open.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"206\">A reader or listener unaware of unstated or suppressed premises may unknowingly accept an argument on unfair terms. On complex issues, assumptions people take for granted often need the most scrutiny.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Example: Missing Premises<\/h3>\r\nIn the claim, <em data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"315\">\u201cThis medication is labeled as totally natural, so it is safe for me to take,\u201d<\/em> the hidden premise\u2014that <em data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"349\">natural<\/em> means <em data-start=\"356\" data-end=\"362\">safe<\/em>\u2014is questionable and should be critically examined.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Argument Diagramming<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"218\"><span class=\"s1\">Besides recognizing the use of induction and deduction, you can use\u00a0diagramming\u00a0or\u00a0outlining<\/span> to identify it an argument's structure.\u00a0 An argument, in this context, is not a \"quarrel\" or a \"fight\", but a set of statements where premises support a conclusion.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"460\" data-is-last-node=\"\">The first step is to pinpoint the main claim (conclusion) and the supporting claims (premises). This process is easier when the author clearly signals argument steps using \"indicator\" terms that highlight premises and conclusions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Indicators for conclusions and premises<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Words that introduce or signal an argument conclusion include:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>therefore<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>so<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>we may conclude<\/i>\/<i>infer<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>thus<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>consequently<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Words that introduce argument premises include:<i>\u00a0<\/i><\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>it <\/i><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><i>follows that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>implies that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>as a result<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>because<\/i>\u00a0(non-causal meaning)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>since<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>or the reason that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>for<\/i><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>and<\/i>\u00a0(this often signals the introduction of a further premise, as in \"You should believe Z\u00a0<b><i>because of<\/i><\/b>\u00a0reason 1\u00a0<b><i>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0reason 2.\")<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"88b682c0-363d-4f4b-ba31-2fa74bd76d35\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"268\" data-is-last-node=\"\">When diagramming or outlining an argument, use indicator terms to identify the conclusion and premises, especially if the argument\u2019s flow isn\u2019t clear. Since a conclusion can appear anywhere\u2014beginning, end, or in between\u2014<span class=\"s1\">we cannot tell whether a statement is a conclusion simply by where it is positioned in the argument.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Watch It<\/h3>\r\nThis video reviews the ways you can break apart an argument to find premises and conclusions, then determine if they are logical.\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pP8dWURrEF0\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Analyzingtheargument-Part1of2.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Analyzing the argument- Part 1 of 2\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>The Purpose Behind\u00a0Diagramming an Argument<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0a756eaf-b8a1-4f09-8ed3-8b3cbf2a9cd1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\r\n<p data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Diagramming or mapping an argument serves two key purposes:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\">It helps you clearly understand the other person\u2019s argument by identifying its logical structure, allowing you to assess its strengths and weaknesses before deciding whether to accept it.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\">It strengthens your analytical skills, helping you organize and present your own arguments effectively when taking a position on an issue.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Steps in\u00a0Diagramming an Argument<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are the basic moves that are required to create a clear diagram or outline of an argument.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"226\"><strong>List the Claims<\/strong> \u2013 Identify all claims in the argument. Since a sentence may contain multiple claims, break them into separate statements and use a numbering or labeling system.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"354\"><strong>Cut the Fluff<\/strong> \u2013 Remove repetitions, unsupported assertions, and irrelevant information to focus on the core argument.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"354\"><strong>Find Premises and Conclusions<\/strong> \u2013 Determine which statements serve as premises (supporting points) and which is the main conclusion (the overall claim being defended).<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"543\" data-end=\"711\"><strong>Spot Sub-Conclusions<\/strong> \u2013 Identify any sub-conclusions, which act as conclusions for smaller arguments but also serve as premises supporting the main conclusion.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"968\"><strong>Distinguish Independent vs. Linked Premises<\/strong> \u2013 Identify whether premises stand alone (independent) or work together (linked) to support a conclusion. If diagramming, find some way to connect linked premises together before connecting them to the conclusion.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Using the Argument's Paragraphing to Evaluate the Premises<\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"444\">An author must carefully organize their material to guide the audience through their argument, and one key tool for this is the paragraph. Each paragraph should be tightly focused, with sentences that collectively develop a single idea, often introduced in a topic sentence. The paragraphs themselves should follow a logical order that reflects the structure of the argument.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"990\">Since <strong data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"464\">premises<\/strong> are the key steps in an argument, a well-structured essay may use each <strong data-start=\"536\" data-end=\"567\">premise as a topic sentence<\/strong>, with supporting sentences developing the idea. Sometimes, a single premise may guide multiple paragraphs, each exploring different aspects of the claim. For example, if a premise states, <em data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"831\">\u201cCollege students overestimate the amount of binge drinking that occurs,\u201d<\/em> the argument might include separate paragraphs analyzing how this overestimation differs among sorority members, fraternity members, and non-Greek students.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1371\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><span class=\"s1\">Look to see whether the author has used paragraphing-by-premise to organize their argument and outline its structure for the audience.\u00a0 <\/span>Also, consider whether any key premises are missing. Some premises may be suppressed\u2014assumed but not explicitly stated\u2014either because the author takes them for granted or hopes the audience won\u2019t question them. As you analyze the argument, identify any unacknowledged premises and determine where a paragraph addressing them should have been included.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>WAtch It<\/h3>\r\nNow that you know how to identify premises and conclusions, let's apply that to looking at arguments in paragraphs. You should ask yourself the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>What is the point, or conclusion, of this paragraph?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is there sufficient evidence for this conclusion?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is the evidence relevant to the conclusion?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jVf_iJpSIrM\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/AnalyzingtheArgument-Part2of2_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Analyzing the Argument- Part 2 of 2\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"p3\">The Similarity Between Conclusions and Thesis Statements<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">When we talk about a paper, we usually talk about the paper\u2019s main claim as being its thesis statement. But of course, a paper that just makes a claim or states an opinion but offers no supporting reasons or arguments is not much of a paper. We would be bothered by reading an editorial in which someone stated a strong opinion on some public issue yet did nothing to justify that opinion.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">When an author supports a thesis with reasons, then the thesis statement can be described as the conclusion of an argument, with the supporting reasons being that argument\u2019s premises. The argument now has a structure that can be outlined or diagrammed.<\/span><\/p>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Evaluate logical structures in arguments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Analyzing Arguments<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sometimes an argument will have an\u00a0<b>unstated<\/b>\u00a0or\u00a0<b>suppressed premise<\/b>, rather than stating something outright.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Example: unstated premises<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Consider this highly unscientific poll conducted by a TV news station. \u201cWhich do you believe the senator is most out of touch with: illegal immigration, border security, or the American people?\u201d The pollster is operating as if it is unquestionable that the senator is out of touch with\u00a0<i>something<\/i>. In other words, the question presupposes that the senator is \u201cout of touch.\u201d However, this unstated premise is debatable once it is brought out into the open.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"206\">A reader or listener unaware of unstated or suppressed premises may unknowingly accept an argument on unfair terms. On complex issues, assumptions people take for granted often need the most scrutiny.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Example: Missing Premises<\/h3>\n<p>In the claim, <em data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"315\">\u201cThis medication is labeled as totally natural, so it is safe for me to take,\u201d<\/em> the hidden premise\u2014that <em data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"349\">natural<\/em> means <em data-start=\"356\" data-end=\"362\">safe<\/em>\u2014is questionable and should be critically examined.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Argument Diagramming<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"218\"><span class=\"s1\">Besides recognizing the use of induction and deduction, you can use\u00a0diagramming\u00a0or\u00a0outlining<\/span> to identify it an argument&#8217;s structure.\u00a0 An argument, in this context, is not a &#8220;quarrel&#8221; or a &#8220;fight&#8221;, but a set of statements where premises support a conclusion.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"460\" data-is-last-node=\"\">The first step is to pinpoint the main claim (conclusion) and the supporting claims (premises). This process is easier when the author clearly signals argument steps using &#8220;indicator&#8221; terms that highlight premises and conclusions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Indicators for conclusions and premises<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Words that introduce or signal an argument conclusion include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>therefore<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>so<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>we may conclude<\/i>\/<i>infer<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>thus<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>consequently<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Words that introduce argument premises include:<i>\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>it <\/i><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><i>follows that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>implies that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>as a result<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>because<\/i>\u00a0(non-causal meaning)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>since<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>or the reason that<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>for<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><i>and<\/i>\u00a0(this often signals the introduction of a further premise, as in &#8220;You should believe Z\u00a0<b><i>because of<\/i><\/b>\u00a0reason 1\u00a0<b><i>and<\/i><\/b>\u00a0reason 2.&#8221;)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"88b682c0-363d-4f4b-ba31-2fa74bd76d35\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"268\" data-is-last-node=\"\">When diagramming or outlining an argument, use indicator terms to identify the conclusion and premises, especially if the argument\u2019s flow isn\u2019t clear. Since a conclusion can appear anywhere\u2014beginning, end, or in between\u2014<span class=\"s1\">we cannot tell whether a statement is a conclusion simply by where it is positioned in the argument.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Watch It<\/h3>\n<p>This video reviews the ways you can break apart an argument to find premises and conclusions, then determine if they are logical.<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pP8dWURrEF0\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Analyzingtheargument-Part1of2.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Analyzing the argument- Part 1 of 2&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>The Purpose Behind\u00a0Diagramming an Argument<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0a756eaf-b8a1-4f09-8ed3-8b3cbf2a9cd1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\n<p data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Diagramming or mapping an argument serves two key purposes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\">It helps you clearly understand the other person\u2019s argument by identifying its logical structure, allowing you to assess its strengths and weaknesses before deciding whether to accept it.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"456\">It strengthens your analytical skills, helping you organize and present your own arguments effectively when taking a position on an issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Steps in\u00a0Diagramming an Argument<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are the basic moves that are required to create a clear diagram or outline of an argument.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"226\"><strong>List the Claims<\/strong> \u2013 Identify all claims in the argument. Since a sentence may contain multiple claims, break them into separate statements and use a numbering or labeling system.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"354\"><strong>Cut the Fluff<\/strong> \u2013 Remove repetitions, unsupported assertions, and irrelevant information to focus on the core argument.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"354\"><strong>Find Premises and Conclusions<\/strong> \u2013 Determine which statements serve as premises (supporting points) and which is the main conclusion (the overall claim being defended).<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"543\" data-end=\"711\"><strong>Spot Sub-Conclusions<\/strong> \u2013 Identify any sub-conclusions, which act as conclusions for smaller arguments but also serve as premises supporting the main conclusion.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"968\"><strong>Distinguish Independent vs. Linked Premises<\/strong> \u2013 Identify whether premises stand alone (independent) or work together (linked) to support a conclusion. If diagramming, find some way to connect linked premises together before connecting them to the conclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Using the Argument&#8217;s Paragraphing to Evaluate the Premises<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"444\">An author must carefully organize their material to guide the audience through their argument, and one key tool for this is the paragraph. Each paragraph should be tightly focused, with sentences that collectively develop a single idea, often introduced in a topic sentence. The paragraphs themselves should follow a logical order that reflects the structure of the argument.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"990\">Since <strong data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"464\">premises<\/strong> are the key steps in an argument, a well-structured essay may use each <strong data-start=\"536\" data-end=\"567\">premise as a topic sentence<\/strong>, with supporting sentences developing the idea. Sometimes, a single premise may guide multiple paragraphs, each exploring different aspects of the claim. For example, if a premise states, <em data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"831\">\u201cCollege students overestimate the amount of binge drinking that occurs,\u201d<\/em> the argument might include separate paragraphs analyzing how this overestimation differs among sorority members, fraternity members, and non-Greek students.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1371\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><span class=\"s1\">Look to see whether the author has used paragraphing-by-premise to organize their argument and outline its structure for the audience.\u00a0 <\/span>Also, consider whether any key premises are missing. Some premises may be suppressed\u2014assumed but not explicitly stated\u2014either because the author takes them for granted or hopes the audience won\u2019t question them. As you analyze the argument, identify any unacknowledged premises and determine where a paragraph addressing them should have been included.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>WAtch It<\/h3>\n<p>Now that you know how to identify premises and conclusions, let&#8217;s apply that to looking at arguments in paragraphs. You should ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is the point, or conclusion, of this paragraph?<\/li>\n<li>Is there sufficient evidence for this conclusion?<\/li>\n<li>Is the evidence relevant to the conclusion?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jVf_iJpSIrM\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/AnalyzingtheArgument-Part2of2_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Analyzing the Argument- Part 2 of 2&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">The Similarity Between Conclusions and Thesis Statements<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">When we talk about a paper, we usually talk about the paper\u2019s main claim as being its thesis statement. But of course, a paper that just makes a claim or states an opinion but offers no supporting reasons or arguments is not much of a paper. We would be bothered by reading an editorial in which someone stated a strong opinion on some public issue yet did nothing to justify that opinion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">When an author supports a thesis with reasons, then the thesis statement can be described as the conclusion of an argument, with the supporting reasons being that argument\u2019s premises. The argument now has a structure that can be outlined or diagrammed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-1704\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>The Logical Structure of Arguments. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Radford University. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/lcubbison.pressbooks.com\/chapter\/core-201-analyzing-arguments\/\">http:\/\/lcubbison.pressbooks.com\/chapter\/core-201-analyzing-arguments\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">All rights reserved content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Analyzing the Argument. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Snap Language. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pP8dWURrEF0\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pP8dWURrEF0<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/about\/pdm\">Public Domain: No Known Copyright<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Analyzing the Argument - Part 2 of 2. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Snap Language. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jVf_iJpSIrM&#038;t=234s\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jVf_iJpSIrM&#038;t=234s<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>Other<\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Standard YouTube License<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":29,"menu_order":8,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"Analyzing the Argument\",\"author\":\"Snap Language\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pP8dWURrEF0\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"pd\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"The Logical Structure of Arguments\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Radford University\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/lcubbison.pressbooks.com\/chapter\/core-201-analyzing-arguments\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"Analyzing the Argument - Part 2 of 2\",\"author\":\"Snap Language\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jVf_iJpSIrM&t=234s\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"other\",\"license_terms\":\"Standard YouTube License\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"f8ac570e-3bda-4c14-a5cb-e46d9250e662, 4e066626-4840-402f-aaf7-07f4a97a5d57","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-1704","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":833,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6260,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1704\/revisions\/6260"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/833"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1704\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=1704"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=1704"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=1704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}