LNAT argument and essay terms

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• PremiseA statement offered as a reason to accept the conclusion.
• ConclusionThe claim the argument is trying to establish.
• Unstated assumptionSomething the argument needs to be true but never says.
• InferenceA statement that must be true, or is very likely true, given what the passage says.
• “States” versus “implies”States: written in the text. Implies: suggested by the text without being said.
• Main ideaThe single point the whole passage supports.
• ToneThe author’s attitude to the subject, such as sceptical, approving or ironic.
• QualifierA word that limits how far a claim goes: most, usually, in some cases.
• Strengthen (an argument)New information that makes the conclusion more likely, given the premises.
• Weaken (an argument)New information that makes the conclusion less likely, given the premises.
• Necessary conditionSomething that must be present for the outcome, but does not guarantee it.
• Sufficient conditionSomething that guarantees the outcome on its own.
• Correlation treated as causationAssuming that because two things occur together, one causes the other.
• Post hoc reasoningAssuming that because B followed A, A caused B.
• Straw manAttacking a weaker version of the other side’s view than the one they hold.
• Ad hominemAttacking the person making the argument instead of the argument.
• False dilemmaPresenting two options as the only ones when others exist.
• Slippery slopeClaiming one step will lead to an extreme outcome without showing why.
• Circular reasoningThe conclusion is assumed in the premises.
• Hasty generalisationA broad conclusion drawn from too small or unrepresentative a sample.
• Flawed appeal to authorityAccepting a claim because of who said it, when they lack relevant expertise.
• EquivocationUsing one word in two different senses within the same argument.
• Argument by analogyReasoning that because two things are alike in some ways, they are alike in another.
• Thesis (essay)Your one-sentence answer to the question, argued all the way through.
• Counter-argument (essay)The strongest opposing view, stated fairly.
• Rebuttal (essay)Your reply showing why the counter-argument does not defeat your position.
• Concession (essay)Granting a point to the other side while keeping your conclusion.
• Signposting (essay)Short phrases that show the reader where the argument is going: first, however, therefore.