parts of an argument: Premise/Evidence

2. make sure that the context in

1. break apart the answer in the Lead
the evidence question contains
Straightforward question into different elements
all of these elements
example: the word “prove” is more difficult Author's Purpose
than the words “support” or “illustrate”
Paired-evidence
look at the verb
Reverse Approach

think how this idea relates to a bigger

context that the author talks about a transition word in or near the sentence will tell
Context + Substitution you how far to look while seeking context
Vocabulary
"provide examples" - are
look at the noun that is after the verb too “Feeling” of the word
their any examples?

look at the caption “Which of the following is an assumption/does the

author assume for their argument in lines (context)?”

emotions (saddening, infuriating)

Assumption Take each answer choice and make them
negate the assumption
false. It should undermine the author’s logic
value judgements (useless, obsolete, brilliant)
Types of questions
Word choice
it's about the LOGIC and not the FACTS
In literature passages - the words that the
character uses, and the way that the narrator
describes their thoughts and feelings undermine the author’s reasoning passage is suspect

Weaken/strengthen
supporting questions are like what is the main
idea, but you should to criticize it

condemning Author's attitude/tone

The argument itself Break the context into its logical “parts”: might include a specific example: A does action B for
kind of relationship, consequence, and specific features. benefit, at risk of danger from C
advocating
Analogy

do not have to be of the same subject matter,

arguing against but only of the same logical structure

How does the author talk about others? (refer the inference is not a positive assertion,
to other critics, academics, and writers) but is a supports for certain conclusion

we, us, our, collective the inference has a synonym to something

Inference
in the text, or falls under a group in the text.
the author's solidarity
they, others
the logical consequence of the
inference itself are also good inferences
Broader answer choices = better

is the author describing? contesting/

disputing? Surveying? Chronicling? Overall comment

Verb
Main Purpose
Often times we can use the verb to
eliminate incorrect answer choices do not criticize the look at not only a
answer choices but the sentence, but the whole
passage information paragraph
aka, who is the main character/what is
Subject
the main focus (“thing”) in the passage?