Argument Structure — Breaking Down Reasoning

GRE passages often present arguments. You need to identify their parts.

Conclusion: The main claim the author is making.

Premises: The evidence or reasons supporting the conclusion.

Assumptions: Unstated beliefs connecting premises to conclusion.

Signal words for conclusions: therefore, thus, consequently, it follows that, this suggests

Signal words for premises: because, since, given that, as evidenced by

Strengthen questions: Find the answer that fills a gap in the argument's logic.

Weaken questions: Find the answer that breaks the connection between evidence and conclusion.

Strategy: Before looking at answer choices, identify: What is the conclusion? What is the evidence? What is being assumed? The correct answer always targets the assumption.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Argumentation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argumentation_theory