3.2 Analyzing Argument Structure

• The thesis statement can be located at the beginning, end, or is sometimes implicit
• Where are thesis statements most commonly found in argumentative essays?

  Introductory or concluding paragraphs
• What are supporting reasons in an argument?

  Key points backing the claim
• Match the type of evidence with its description:

  Facts ↔️ Verifiable information

  Examples ↔️ Illustrative instances

  Statistics ↔️ Numerical data

  Expert Opinions ↔️ Statements from qualified sources
• Research showing improved academic performance after recess is an example of supporting evidence.


  True
• Match the logical fallacy with its description:

  Ad Hominem ↔️ Attacking the person

  Appeal to Authority ↔️ Citing unqualified expert

  Bandwagon ↔️ Argue based on popularity

  False Dilemma ↔️ Presenting only two options
• A hasty generalization is a broad conclusion based on limited evidence.


  True
• What could serve as evidence to support the reason that "Recess improves concentration"?

  Statistics showing higher test scores
• What are logical fallacies considered in reasoning?

  Flaws
• What type of fallacy involves attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself?

  Ad Hominem
• The Bandwagon fallacy argues that something is true because many people believe it.


  True
• What fallacy involves making a broad conclusion based on limited evidence?

  Hasty Generalization
• What fallacy introduces an irrelevant topic to distract from the main issue?

  Red Herring
• Recognizing logical fallacies helps you evaluate the soundness of arguments
• Assessing counterarguments is important for evaluating the overall strength of an argument.


  True
• Match the criteria for assessing counterarguments with its description:

  Relevance ↔️ How directly it addresses the main claim

  Strength ↔️ How compelling and supported it is

  Validity ↔️ Whether it avoids logical fallacies
• Ignoring counterarguments in an argument can make it appear biased.


  True
• What rhetorical device compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as"?

  Metaphor
• Match the rhetorical device with its example:

  Metaphor ↔️ "The world is a stage."

  Repetition ↔️ "We must, we must, we must improve our trust."

  Alliteration ↔️ "The slimy slugs slithered slowly."
• The thesis statement can be found in the beginning, end, or implicitly
• An implicit thesis statement is directly stated in the text.

  False
• Where is the claim often located in the beginning of a text?

  To set the context
• An implicit claim is directly stated in the text.

  False
• After identifying the main claim, the next step is to look for supporting reasons
• Evidence includes facts, examples, and expert opinions.

  True
• What are logical fallacies in arguments?

  Errors in reasoning
• Appeal to Authority is valid when the expert is qualified.


  True
• What is a metaphor in rhetoric?

  Comparing two unlike things
• What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in argumentative writing?

  To summarize the argument
• A thesis statement at the beginning of a text is used to set the context for the argument.


  True
• Steps to analyze an argumentative text

  1️⃣ Identify the claim

  2️⃣ Find supporting reasons

  3️⃣ Look for evidence

  4️⃣ Examine logical fallacies
• Evidence is used to substantiate supporting reasons
• What is the purpose of topic sentences in argumentative essays?

  Introduce supporting reasons
• Transition words signal the introduction of supporting evidence
• What are logical fallacies in an argument?

  Flaws in reasoning
• The false dilemma fallacy presents only two options when more exist
• What is a straw man fallacy in an argument?

  Misrepresenting opponent's argument
• Steps to analyze logical fallacies in an argument

  1️⃣ Identify the claim

  2️⃣ Find the supporting reasons

  3️⃣ Examine the evidence

  4️⃣ Recognize any flaws in reasoning
• Logical fallacies weaken an argument's validity and credibility
• What is the fallacy of citing an unqualified expert or authority to support a claim?

  Appeal to Authority