Arguments and Assertions

1. Arguments and Assertions Dr. John Eigenauer Taft College

2. Arguments and Assertions • The best way to distinguish an argument from an assertion is to create a map. If the map has a conclusion and a reason, it is an argument. If it lacks a reason, it is an assertion.

3. Practice with Mapping • Is the following statement an argument or an assertion? • There is a God. • Map the statement to determine if it is an argument or an assertion.

4. Map of an Assertion • This is an assertion because it has a conclusion, but it lacks supporting reasons.

5. Practice with Mapping • Is the following statement an argument or an assertion? • The New York Yankees will win the pennant; after all, they are the best team in baseball.

6. Map of an Argument • This is an argument because it has two parts: a conclusion and a reason that supports it:

7. Map of an Argument • Is the following statement an argument or an assertion? • The New York Yankees will win the pennant; after all, they are the best team in baseball. They have the best hitting and the best pitching.

8. Conclusion, Reason, Evidence

9. Practice with Mapping • Map the following statement by breaking it down into a conclusion and a reason: • The US economy is going to continue growing. Unemployment is down, the stock market is up, and consumer sentiment is high, all of which indicate growth.

10. Map of Practice Problem

11. Map with Multiple Reasons