Intermediate Reading Course. Section 4: Reading Critically
Analyzing the Argument
Course Navigation
Analyzing logical argument is an important skill in everyday life. It is also particularly important in reading.
Let’s examine the basics of how arguments are built so you can analyze them more easily.
cottonbro studio | Pexels
Understanding the Argument
An argument (or logical argument) is a set of ideas put together to support a point. For example, if you say, “I want to study Japanese because it’s a beautiful language and I’d like to visit Japan one day,” you are presenting an argument to justify the claim that you want to study Japanese. Although it is a very simple claim, it has all the elements of a logical argument.
The Elements of a Logical Argument
To create an argument, you need statements or claims. One of these claims is a conclusion. The other claims are premises; they provide evidence to support your conclusion.
Examples of claims in a logical argument
Argument 1
It starts getting cold where John lives around September every year. We are at the end of September. It is probably cold there now.
This argument has three claims (two premises and a conclusion):
- Premise 1: It gets cold where John lives in September.
- Premise 2: It is the end of September.
- Conclusion: It is probably cold there now.
Argument 2
I should lose weight. My clothes are getting tight on me. I get tired more easily now when I exercise, and I’m not as flexible as I used to. Besides, my overall health is always better when I keep my weight down.
This argument has five claims (four premises and a conclusion):
- Conclusion: I should lose weight.
- Premise 1: My clothes are getting tight on me.
- Premise 2: I get tired more easily now when I exercise.
- Premise 3: I’m not as flexible as I used to be.
- Premise 4: My overall health is always better when I keep my weight down.
Video Activity 1
Watch Analyzing the argument (Part 1/2) and take good study notes.
Note. The video supports the content on this page. You can study the page and watch the video in any order.
Evaluating the Argument
To evaluate an argument when reading, you must analyze evaluate the evidence the writer presented. Rather than simply accepting everything they read, critical readers ask questions. A well built argument must be supported by accurate, sufficient, and relevant evidence.
In addition, it must be logical, that is, the conclusion must be a logical consequence of the premises.
Example of an “illogical” conclusion
The Argument
All mammals have heads. Lizards have heads; therefore, lizards are mammals.
The above appears to be a logical argument, which is obviously not true. What is wrong with it?
Nilina | Pexels
Let’s analyze the claims.
- The first claim is that all mammals have heads. That is true. However, other animals that have heads are not mammals (e.g., fish, birds, and lizards).
- The second claim is that lizards have heads. That is true.
- The conclusion must draw on both premises; however, the first premise is problematic. It excludes many other animals that have heads.
By analyzing the claims, we determined that this argument is false because one of the claims was misleading. When you read, you should do the same whenever the writer presents arguments.
Video Activity 2
Watch Analyzing the argument (Part 2/2) and take good study notes.
Note. The video supports the content on this page. You can study the page and watch the video in any order.
Up Next: Argument and Counter-Argument
Go to the next lesson to learn about arguments and counterarguments when reading.