Skip to main content

Da VIP Academy / GED / RLA / Argument & Evidence

Analyzing Arguments

Identify claims, reasons, and unstated assumptions in an argument.

Practice this skillAll RLA skills

How it works

Separate claim from reason

The claim is what the writer wants you to accept. The reasons are why. Underline the claim first; everything else supports or attacks it.

Find the assumption

An assumption is what must be true for the reason to prove the claim. 'Everyone I know drives' assumes the writer's circle represents the whole city.

Worked examples

  1. Evaluate LETTER B's reasoning.

    1. Claim: cancel the late bus.
    2. Reason: low ridership and personal experience.
    3. Weakness: a personal circle is not representative evidence.

Words to know

Claim
The position an author wants readers to accept.
Assumption
An unstated belief the argument depends on.

Test-day tips

  • • An argument can be well written and still be poorly supported — judge the evidence, not the style.
Try Analyzing Arguments practice