What is an argument?

When you think of an argument, you might think of two or more people who disagree about something. Sometimes there are strong feelings involved. Sometimes people who are arguing might raise their voices or someone might even start crying.

But we're not talking about that kind of argument. We're talking about a LOGICAL ARGUMENT, which is a little different. A logical argument is when PREMISES are used to prove or support a CONCLUSION.

Try this. Greta asks if you want to go see the movie “Ghost in the Fridge.” You make the following argument:

I don't like scary movies.

“Ghost in the Fridge” is a scary movie.

Therefore, I won't like “Ghost in the Fridge.”

Can you identify the PREMISES in this argument?

1) ________________________________________________________________________

2) ________________________________________________________________________

What is the CONCLUSION?

__________________________________________________________________________


Or, how about this one:

If my room is not cleaned up by bedtime, I will be grounded.

My bedroom is not clean.

It is bedtime.

Therefore, I am going to be grounded.

Can you identify the PREMISES in this argument?

1) ________________________________________________________________________

2) ________________________________________________________________________

3) ________________________________________________________________________

What is the CONCLUSION?

__________________________________________________________________________