Argument Component Identification Flashcards

In LNAT reading, distinguishing between an author's view and a reported view is important. Which phrase most clearly signals a REPORTED (not the author's own) view?

Answer: Proponents claim that

'Proponents claim that' signals the author is reporting someone else's view, while the other options signal the author's own inferences or conclusions.

Examine: 'Although access to higher education has widened, graduates still face significant unemployment, suggesting that degree programs do not adequately prepare students for the job market.' What argument structure is present?

Answer: Concession followed by a counter-point leading to a conclusion

The author concedes that access has widened ('although'), then counter-points with unemployment data, leading to the conclusion that programs are inadequate.

Which of the following sentences functions as a PREMISE in this mini-argument? 'Freedom of speech is fundamental to democracy. Democracy produces better governance. Hence, free speech contributes to better governance.'

Answer: Both the first and second sentences are premises.

Both the first and second sentences are premises that together support the conclusion introduced by 'hence.'

An LNAT question asks you to identify the 'main conclusion' of a long passage. What is the best strategy?

Answer: Select the sentence that all other key sentences appear to be building toward.

The main conclusion is the claim that the rest of the argument's reasoning is designed to establish — you identify it by seeing which sentence the others point toward.

A passage gives three distinct reasons for the same conclusion. This is best described as:

Answer: A convergent argument, where multiple independent reasons support one conclusion

When multiple independent reasons each separately support the same conclusion, the structure is convergent — removing one reason does not destroy the others.

Consider: 'Students who sleep less than six hours perform worse academically. Therefore, schools should start later.' What is the key unstated assumption?

Answer: Later start times would result in students sleeping more.

The argument assumes that later start times would lead to more sleep — without this link, the evidence about sleep and performance does not justify the policy conclusion.

Which of the following best captures the difference between a 'qualification' and a 'concession' in argument component analysis?

Answer: A qualification limits the scope of the author's own claim; a concession acknowledges a point in favor of the opposing side.

A qualification restricts the author's own claim (e.g., 'in most cases'), while a concession grants a point to the opposing view before the author reasserts their position.