Analyse arguments
When analysing arguments, begin by closely examining them and identifying their claims, reasons and supporting evidence. This is important when analysing arguments in your sources, as well as when you start to create your own arguments.
Evidence: approaching storm on radar map
Reason: it's likely it will rain
Claim: you should bring an umbrella
Depending on the complexity of the argument, you should be able to distinguish some or all of the following components:
- the main claim that the argument is making
- any additional claims that support the main claim
- any claims that are refuted
- the reasoning provided to support or refute different claims
- the evidence used to support or refute the reasons.
The next step consists of asking questions about how and why the author has used particular evidence and reasoning to make claims. Below is a basic analysis of a simple argument:
Analysing a simple argument
Evidence: approaching storm on radar map
Analysis: the author has used the link to the Bureau of Meteorology radar display. The radar display is 10 minutes behind real time, but it give a good sense of where the rain clouds are moving.
Reason: it's likely it will rain
Analysis: the author assumes that rain clouds move in a predictable pattern, and predicts that it will rain in the area. The expression "likely" suggests more than 50% chance of rain, but not 100%.
Claim: you should bring an umbrella
Analysis: the author assumes that an umbrella is a good thing to bring if there is likelihood of rain, and concludes that you should bring an umbrella.
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Strategies for analysing arguments
The following strategies will help you strengthen your analysis.