Learn to tell the difference between an argument and a mere opinion, and start spotting claims and reasons in everything you read.
In everyday life, "argument" often means a heated quarrel. In critical thinking, it means something different and far more useful.
Arguments are how we justify beliefs, make decisions, and reason together. Without them, we are just asserting things.
The conclusion is the main claim: what someone is trying to get you to believe or do.
The premises are the supporting reasons: the evidence, facts, or logic offered in favour of the conclusion.
No reasons = not an argument. Just a statement, preference, or assertion.
Click each example to reveal the argument structure.
"We should add more bike lanes to this street because cycling reduces traffic, lowers emissions, and improves public health."
C: We should add more bike lanes.
P1: Cycling reduces traffic.
P2: It lowers emissions.
P3: It improves public health.
This is an argument. Reasons support a conclusion.
"I love this app. It's just so good!"
C: The app is good.
No premises given. Restating the claim more forcefully does not count as a reason.
Not an argument. This is an assertion.
"This image must be AI-generated. The hands have six fingers and the background text is illegible."
C: The image is AI-generated.
P1: The hands have six fingers.
P2: The background text is illegible.
Argument. Specific evidence supports the conclusion.
"The concert sold out in three minutes."
This is a factual statement. A single claim with no reasons attached to a further conclusion.
Not an argument on its own. It is just a report.
"Schools should restrict phone use during lessons because attention spans are shorter when devices are present, and students retain more when they take handwritten notes."
C: Schools should restrict phone use in lessons.
P1: Attention spans are shorter when devices are present.
P2: Students retain more from handwritten notes.
Argument. A policy claim backed by two reasons.
Answer each question to unlock the next one.
8 posts. Tap Argument if it has a conclusion plus at least one reason. Tap Not Argument if it is just a statement, feeling, or assertion.
Practice round complete. Ready for the reflection.
Think of a recent opinion you expressed or heard. Something like "this policy is bad" or "that decision was wrong."
Rewrite it as a proper argument: add at least two premises that genuinely support the conclusion.
Tip: Premise indicators include because, since, given that, as shown by. Conclusion indicators include therefore, so, thus, hence.