Modes Of Reasoning

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Deductive Reasoning

This type of reasoning starts with a general case and from this deduces specific instances. Eg. 1

Gravity is the force that makes things fall. A apple fell from the tree and hit my head. It must have been caused by gravity.
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Inductive Reasoning

From a specific case or cases and deriving a general rule. Eg. 1

At the Italian England friendly match this week there was a fight in the crowd. You must be careful when you go to any soccer international friendly as there is always the potential for hooliganism.
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Pros Versus Cons

Attempts to weigh the arguments for a case as opposed to those against a case. Helping in achieving balance in your essay. Eg. 1

Global warming is claimed to be the cause of drought in Australia. On the other hand, the drought could just be the result of natural patterns.
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Conditional Reasoning

Generally uses an If/ Then pattern. Eg.

If you study hard then there is a good chance that you will pass your exams.

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Cause and Effect Reasoning

Helps a reader to see why something has happened or will happen. Eg.

The habitat of the China Panda is being destroyed by humans. This is why the Panda is now an endangered species.

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Cause to Effect Reasoning

We start with the effect and work back to cause. Eg.

In Singapore today, there are fewer people smoking. This is because of the successful government anti- smoking campaign.

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Parts of an Argument
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Clarification of Stand

It could, of course, be argued that.. However I am not arguing that.. What I am arguing is..

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Contextual Differentiation

I accept the argument in the specific context of.. Nevertheless, I do not believe that such an argument is generally valid in Singapore, because..

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Identification of assumption

This argument assumes that..

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Unbalanced Argument

Such an argument is unbalanced because..

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Illogical Argument

This is illogical because..

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Over- generalization

While this may be true to some extent, for example.. Nevertheless, it is not always true. For example..

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