Unit 7 What is an argument?

Task 1 Copy the 1st paragraph of unit 7 here

In critical thinking, the term argument has a special meaning. An argument is
only an argument if it has a conclusion; that it is something that you wish to end
with, and has a reason which gives sense to your conclusion. Therefore in critical
thinking an argument consists of at least one reason to support a conclusion.
Extension http://www.standrews.ac.uk/~www_spa/pops/docs/critical_thinking_student.pdf
Task 2 - Individual Activity 1 can you add more?

Argument

Conclusion

Reason

Fossil fuels are a

problem and we must
cut their use.
Government using
torture is wrong

You should stop burning

fossil fuels.

Burning fossil fuels has

been shown to cause
climate change.

Animal testing is
wrong and treats them
like they dont matter.
Children are forced to
drink polluted water in
India; therefore safe
water sources should
be provided.

Government shouldnt Torture is wrong and

use torture anymore
goes against an
individuals human
rights.
animal testing should Animal testing hurts
be stopped
animals and is wrong
to do.
Safe water sources
Children are forced to
should be provided.
drink polluted water in
India.

Task 3 What is the difference between an argument and a claim?

A claim is a made up of reasons and conclusions, however in a claim the reasons
and conclusions may not always be entirely accurate. However, an argument is
to exchange information to opposite people who have opposite views.
Task 4 - 3 Examples of claims
1) Vegetarianism is not healthy
2) Animal Testing is wrong and hurts animals.
Task 5 What is a Non argument?
A non-argument is a statement that does not contain the necessary components
to make an argument; that is a conclusion and at least one reason.

Plenary

Argument or Non argument? Look at Test yourself 1 on p33

1- BBC news reports about the level of unemployment in Wales are usually
reliable.
This is an argument

2- American news reports about the level of unemployment in America are

usually unreliable.
This is an argument
3- BBC news reports about the level of unemployment in Wales are usually
reliable because the BBC obtains its information from reliable sources.
This is a non-argument
4- American news reports are unreliable because they do not use reliable
sources.
This is an argument
5- Unemployment levels in Wales are in decline because the Welsh
Government has introduced effective policies.
This could be classed as a non-argument and argument
6- Unemployment policies are not effective said someone who does not want
to be named.
This is an argument
7- I dont think unemployment polices are working whether they are new or
not.
This is a non-argument
8- Welsh employment policy is similar to the UKs employment policy.
This is a non-argument
Assessed
by

Comment

How to present arguments symbolically

R = reason
E = evidence
CR = counter reason
C = conclusion

Nearly 80 percent of the U.K.. energy supply comes from fossil fuels
such as coal, natural gas and oil. Fossil fuels take millions of years
to form and are thus considered to be non-renewable. Higher energy
demands and poor efficiency practices have increased fossil fuel
usage, and its now critical to find alternative means of energy

generation before depleting the global supply. It is possible, but

takes individual and community actions to reduce the dependence
on fossil fuels.

Conserve Energy

People can do simple things to decrease energy consumption. Energy

consumption can be reduced by simply turning off lights when a room is not
in use, replacing light bulbs with longer-lasting fluorescent bulbs saves
energy by 80%. Other steps to reduce fossil fuel reliance include ensuring
your home has efficient insulation for heating and cooling purposes and using
Energy Star-rated consumer appliances. The Energy Star label is awarded to
efficient products that reduce the total amount of energy used and typically
display a calculated years savings as a percentage or cost amount to help
inform consumers. Increasingly, customer feedback shows that they are
making energy efficiency a key part of the decision making process when
comparing goods. However, where efficient goods are significantly more
expensive, take up has been poor.

Reuse Products

Many consumer goods can be reused instead of discarded. For example, use
a fabric grocery shopping bag instead of paper or plastic. Banning plastic
bags in Wales has saved 42 million tonnes of waste since it came into force
four years ago. Reusable glass plates and cups will also reduce the amount of
Styrofoam and plastics that require fossil fuel resources. When shopping, you
can also buy post-consumer manufactured goods made from recycled
materials. Some products such as computer printer ink cartridges may also
be refilled and reused.

Recycle Materials
. You can help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels by recycling your waste
instead of sending it to a landfill. Donate working products such as
microwaves, lights, fans, clothing that no longer fits and household goods you
no longer want to charities like Crest Co-operative instead of throwing them
away. All Welsh councils have recycling programs that provide trash bins for
plastics, aluminium and paper. Despite this, The Environment Agency
estimates that 75 percent of British waste is still recyclable
If we support householders to make good choices and encourage business to
make more efficient products, we can significantly reduce energy use.
Tasks; 1) Highlight this article with the 4 colours.
2)Find another article on ANY topic. Can you pick out the same
features?
Article=

The US has issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens due to
"increased terrorist threats".
"Current information suggests that ISIL (another name for Islamic
State), al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups continue to
plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions," the State Department
said.
"These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using
conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both
official and private interests."
It cited recent attacks in Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey.
"US citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using
transportation," the statement added.

Americans were also advised to avoid large crowds or crowded

places and to "exercise particular caution during the holiday
season".
The travel alert will be in place until 24 February.
It follows simultaneous attacks at several locations in Paris that
killed 130 people, and a hotel siege in which 19 people died in Mali.
Brussels spent much of the last few days in lockdown due to an
"imminent" terrorist threat.
"Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open
markets and aviation services," the alert added.
The State Department said "the likelihood of terror attacks will
continue as members of ISIL/Daesh return from Syria and Iraq".
The US regularly issues individual country travel alerts, but
worldwide alerts are rare.
Now look at the SOURCE(s) of your article.
Could the article be considered;
From a source that has
expertise
A source with a good
reputation
A biased viewpoint

It comes from the US president Barack Obama

which is a person that has lot of expertise in
protecting citizens in the US.
Barack Obama has a good reputation and as a
result he has strong advice and support from
others.
Yes as he is the president of the US so he could
of made a biased decision to protect him and his
family.

A balanced viewpoint

An ethnocentric
viewpoint
Vested interests
involved
Is the evidence
credible

Could also be seen as a balanced viewpoint

because people may feel strongly about this
subject and believe that it is the right decision.
No as it doesnt focus on one culture
yes
Yes I believe it is credible.