The term 'argument' makes most people think of a heated debate or disagreement. Usually, the association is a negative one, resulting in uncomfortable thoughts and memories. But in college writing, an argument is a statement that is backed up with supporting evidence. Most often, these arguments support a larger theme or thesis, which is an idea that serves as a foundation for conducting an investigation.
When you're reading and conducting research for a class assignment, it's important for you to be able to identify written arguments, analyze them, and evaluate them.
Watch the short video below (5:31) that will introduce you to analyzing an argument.
As noted in the video above, an argument can be divided into component parts: The premise, which is a statement or an assumption that serves as a foundation for which evidence is provided, leading to a conclusion. The premises and conclusions of an argument can often be identified by key phrases.
Phrases that could indicate a premise:
Since
Because
For
Given that
May be inferred from
As indicated by
As
Owing to
Seeing that
Phrases that could indicate a conclusion:
Hence
Consequently
As a result
Therefore
So
Thus
Implies that
Accordingly
It follows that