Chapter 2: Identifying Arguments

2.1 Explains how to tell the difference between arguments and non-arguments. Attention is drawn to some types of unsupported assertions that may be confused with arguments: reports, illustrations, explanations, and conditionals.

2.2 Provides five principles for transforming ordinary argumentative prose into well-crafted arguments:

1. Identify the premises and conclusion.
2. Eliminate excess verbiage (discounts, repetition, assurances, and hedges).
3. Employ uniform language (to clarify the logical links between the various statements).
4. Be fair and charitable in interpreting an argument.
5. Do not confuse sub-conclusions with (final) conclusions.

Also provides--in the form of a list of key questions--a checklist for students to follow in identifying the essential elements of an argument.

Appendix: provides a method for diagramming the structure of an argument, using arrows to indicate which statements are meant to support others.