INTRODUCTION
The lessons will be in the following order. Most topics
will take one lesson.
1. To understand the key terms and skills and to identify
the structure of an argument
a) The nature of an argument – that
it is a reasoned case and not a quarrel or a list of statements
b) The individual elements of an argument – reasons, counter
reasons and conclusions
c) The use of indicator words to recognise these – because, as, therefore,
so
d) Reasons can support conclusions either separately or together, and intermediate
conclusions ie the structure of arguments.
e) The meaning of an assumption – an unstated reason required for the
conclusion to work
f) The areas of weakness and range of flaws – circular arguments, restricting
the options
g) The nature of analogy – to what extent the comparison is relevant
and adequate
h) How to assess evidence given to support an argument – relevance, significance,
selectiveness
i) Explanations
j) How to assess the credibility of evidence given where there is a dispute – eg
ability to see, motive
k) Use of words ie clarify the definition
l) Conclusions
m) Summarising arguments
2. To evaluate the reasoning:
a) General approach
3. Exam technique practice
a) Multiple choice questions – selecting an
answer relating to a paragraph
b) Stepped appraisal questions – short questions relating
to an argument
c) Credibility questions – assessing evidence
d) Appraisal questions – assessing arguments
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