Key Concepts

【alternative explanation】a competing version of what might have caused the events in question that undercuts or qualifies the original explanation because it too can account for the observed facts

【analysis】breaking an argument down in order to understand how they work together

【argument】a line of reasoning meant to demonstrate the truth or falsehood of something

【assumption】a belief, often unstated or unexamined, that someone must hold in order to maintain a particular position; something that is taken for granted but that must be true in order for the conclusion to be true

【conclusion】the end point reached by a line of reasoning, valid if the reasoning is sound.

【counterexample】an example, real or hypothetical, that refutes or disproves a statement in the argument.

【evaluation】an assessment of the quality of evidence and reasons in an argument and of the overall merit of an argument

Analyze an Argument

Carefully read the argument and the specific instructions - you might want to read them more than once.

Identify as  many of the argument’s claims, conclusions and underlying assumptions as possible and evaluate their quality

Think of as many alternative explanations and counterexamples as you can.

Think of what specific additional evidence might weaken or lend support to the claims

Ask yourself what changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound.

Numbers in Argument Topics

Remember that any numbers, percentages or statistics in Argument tasks are used only as evidence in support of a conclusion, and you should always consider whether they actually support the conclusion.

Tips for this Section

Although highly diverse in content and form, display similar levels of critical thinking and analytical writing.

For example, raters will see some essays at the 6 score level that begin by briefly summarizing the argument and then explicitly stating and developing the main points of the evaluation.

You should make choices about format and organization that you think support and enhance the overall effectiveness of your evaluation.

Remember that it is your critical thinking and analytical writing that is being assessed, not your ability to come up with examples.

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