Deconstruction

Deconstruction

1. Advanced Reading Skills

   • Decoding
   • Active reading

2. What is an argument (identifying arguments

   • Definitions
     • Claim = a statement which may or may not be true
       • Reason = a claim used to support a conclusion
         • Assertion = an unsupported claim
           • Conclusion = Claim with a reason
             • Combo of conclusion with reason makes it an argument
     • Argument indications = therefore and because
   • Argument and disputes
     • Dispute relies on assertion and emotions
   • Recognising arguments
     • Therefore test

3. Evaluating arguments

   • Structure
     • Need to take note of strength and weaknesses
     • Does it have more than one line of argument
     • Does it challenge any potential counter argument
     • Are there inferential gaps (hidden assumptions)
     • Comparing strengths and weaknesses and making evaluative judgements
       • Two factors
         • How extensive are the foundations
         • How large are the gaps
     • More complex structures
       • Intermediate conclusion
         • Main conclusion
   • Evidence
   • Context