Identify Premises and Evidence - GRE Verbal

The main claim the author is trying to establish. The conclusion represents the ultimate point or thesis that the argument aims to persuade the reader to accept based on provided support.

Profits fell. The intermediate conclusion is derived from the initial premise and serves to support the main conclusion about layoffs.

Layoffs are likely. The main conclusion is the ultimate claim following 'thus,' encompassing the overall argument's final inference.

Costs rose. The counterpremise, introduced by 'although,' acknowledges an opposing factor that contrasts with the positive conclusion.

The report is incomplete. The premise follows 'since' and offers the reason why the report should not be published, supporting the conclusion.

An acknowledged point that may oppose the conclusion. Concessions recognize potential counterarguments or opposing facts, often to strengthen the overall argument by addressing them preemptively.

A statement that counts against the conclusion. Counterpremises present opposing information that weakens or challenges the argument's conclusion, highlighting potential flaws or alternatives.

Therefore. Conclusion indicators like 'therefore' introduce the inferred claim that follows logically from preceding premises or evidence.

Prices dropped. The conclusion is the final deduced outcome following 'so,' derived from the conditional and factual premises.

Because. Premise indicators such as 'because' precede statements that offer reasons or justifications for accepting the argument's conclusion.

A statement that supports another premise rather than the main conclusion. Sub-premises provide additional support to main premises, strengthening the foundational layer without directly addressing the primary conclusion.

A claim supported by premises that also supports the main conclusion. Intermediate conclusions serve as bridging claims, derived from initial premises and used to further support the argument's ultimate conclusion.

Context that does not provide support for the conclusion. Background information sets the scene or provides necessary context without directly contributing to the logical support of the argument's conclusion.

Ask: "What reason is given to support the claim?". This question pinpoints premises by examining the justifications or grounds provided to make the conclusion more plausible.

It should not be published. The conclusion follows 'therefore' and represents the recommended action based on the premise of incompleteness.

Ask: "What is the author trying to prove?". This question isolates the argument's primary claim by focusing on the author's intent to convince the reader of a specific point.

For instance. Evidence indicators like 'for instance' introduce specific examples or data that illustrate and substantiate a claim or premise.

Premises: If demand falls, prices drop; Demand fell. These statements form the foundational support, with the conditional and fact leading logically to the conclusion.

It must have rained. The conclusion is the inferred claim following 'so,' representing the main point deduced from the observed premise.

The streets are wet. The premise follows 'because' and provides the observational reason supporting the argument's conclusion about rain.

From premises to conclusion. Logical support in arguments moves from foundational statements (premises) to the derived claim (conclusion), establishing justification unidirectionally.

Three trials showed the same effect. The evidence is the specific illustrative detail following 'for example,' providing empirical support for a broader claim.

Facts or observations used to support a claim. Evidence consists of empirical data or specific examples that bolster the validity of premises or the overall argument in critical reasoning.