45 Questions
What is the primary purpose of transition words in writing?
To create a more readable flow in a text
What is the main function of transitional phrases in writing?
To bridge ideas in writing
What is the primary goal of most writing?
To convey information to the reader
What type of transition is typically used in longer works such as dissertations or books?
Transitions between sections
Where can transitions between paragraphs typically be found?
At the beginning or end of the paragraph, or both
What do transitions help to establish in a text?
Order and relationships between ideas
What is the result of not using transitions in writing?
The writing will be difficult to understand
What is the primary function of transitional sentences?
To clarify the connection between two ideas
What is the main purpose of transition words between paragraphs?
To clarify the relationship between ideas and create coherence
What is the result of not using transitional sentences?
The reader is left to make assumptions
What is the primary function of transition words in essays?
To create connections or clarify assumptions
What is the purpose of transition words like 'however', 'on the contrary', and 'nevertheless'?
To show contrast between ideas
What happens when the wrong transition word is used?
It conveys incorrect information
What is the purpose of transitions within paragraphs?
To connect sentences within a single idea
What is the main difference between transitional sentences and transition words?
Transitional sentences connect ideas, while transition words connect paragraphs
What is the main goal of analyzing arguments according to the lesson?
To make up our own minds about the argument's effectiveness and validity
What is the claim in an argument?
A statement of the author's position about an issue
What are the reasons in an argument?
The points offered to justify the claim and persuade the audience
Why are reasons necessary in an argument?
To justify the claim and persuade the audience
What is the purpose of evidence in an argument?
To support the author's claim
What should be the relationship between the reasons and the claim in an argument?
The reasons should support the claim
What is the main difference between the claim and the reasons in an argument?
The claim is the main point, while the reasons are the supporting details
What is the primary purpose of evidence in an argument?
To support the reasons with proof
What is an assumption in an argument?
A stated or unstated belief
What makes an argument effective and valid?
All of its elements, including the claim, reasons, evidence, and assumptions
What should a reader or listener do to determine the effectiveness of an argument?
Look critically at each of the argument's elements
Why might the editor's reason that the college is misusing the money from parking fees be considered shaky?
It does not follow that the college should drop parking fees altogether
What is the purpose of examining the assumptions behind an argument?
To see if they are logical and true
What might happen if the editor's evidence is found to be inaccurate or outdated?
The argument becomes weaker
Why is it important to evaluate the bias of the person making an argument?
To determine if the person is motivated by a personal interest
What is the main purpose of learning to analyze arguments?
To make up our own minds about the effectiveness and validity of arguments
What is the claim in an argument?
A statement of a position about an issue
What are reasons in an argument?
The points offered to justify a claim
Why are reasons necessary in an argument?
To justify a claim and convince an audience
What is an example of a reason in the editor's argument?
Parking fees are burdensome to already financially-strapped students
What is the relationship between the reasons and the claim in an argument?
The reasons support and justify the claim
Why is analyzing arguments important in our daily lives?
It helps us to make up our own minds about the issues presented to us
What is essential to include in an argument besides the claim?
Reasons, evidence, and assumptions
What is the purpose of examining the reasons in an argument?
To determine if they are logical and clear
What should a reader or listener do to determine the effectiveness of an argument?
Analyze each element of the argument critically
What could be the result if the editor's evidence is found to be inaccurate or outdated?
The argument becomes weaker
What is the primary goal when analyzing an argument?
To evaluate the effectiveness and validity of the argument
What is the relationship between the reasons and the claim in an argument?
The reasons are directly related to the claim
Why is it essential to evaluate the bias of the person making an argument?
To determine the effectiveness of the argument
What makes an argument effective and valid?
All of its elements working together
Study Notes
Understanding Arguments
- An argument is a discussion that takes a position on an issue and presents reasons and evidence to convince an audience that its position is true.
Elements of an Argument
- Claim: a statement of the argument's position on an issue
- Reasons: points offered to justify the claim
- Evidence: provides proof that the reasons are true or have merit
- Assumptions: stated or unstated beliefs that must be held to accept the claim
Analyzing an Argument
- To determine the effectiveness and validity of an argument, one must critically examine each element
- Questions to ask:
- Is the claim arguable and supported by reasons and evidence?
- Are the reasons logical and clear, and directly related to the claim?
- Is the evidence convincing, relevant, and accurate?
- Are the assumptions logical and true?
Examples and Applications
- Editor's argument about parking fees: claim, reasons, evidence, and assumptions
- Critiquing the argument: examining the claim, reasons, evidence, and assumptions for validity and effectiveness
Test your understanding of transition words and phrases, which connect different ideas in a text to create a readable flow. Learn how to use them to explain chronology, causality, and contrast.
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