Analysis Practice 1: Argument and Explanation

Directions:  Identify each of the following as either an argument or an explanation, and construct the corresponding rationale.  If no reasoning is detectable, then draw a frowning face in the conclusion box. (Note: be sure to look deeper then the surface grammar. For example, some questions and commands are rhetorical ways of making statements.)

1.  People cry because it makes them feel better.

2.  Boys pay higher auto insurance rates than girls. That's because girls are safer drivers than boys.

3.  Sophie must hate spiders.  She smashes every one she sees.

4.  In my opinion we have no obligation to help people who intentionally put themselves in harm's way.

5.  You should always eat everything on your plate.  Just think how many millions of starving people there are in the world.

6.  Quit dropping the baby on her head!  How would you like it if someone did that to you?

7.  Butch dropped the baby on her head because Barbie told him to.

8.  That is the absolute last time I'm going to lend Pheepher money.  He just never pays me back.

9.  It's only fair that girls pay lower insurance rates than boys.  After all, Girls don't get in as many accidents.

10.  I don't believe in charity, because I think people who receive it just come to depend on it.

11.  I can't believe you're not sending any money to help with the hurricane victims.  They need it so much more than you do.

12.  The only reason Brad asked Jennifer out is that he needs help with his homework.

13.  Osama Bin Laden is not an evil man.  He honestly believes himself to be doing God's work.

14.  I think Bob thinks Linda thinks Bob is in love with her.  That's why he won't go anywhere near her.

15.  If there is something you really like to eat, then you should know how to cook it.

16.  Ketchup is a perfect condiment.  That's why no one has ever been able to improve upon it.

17.  If God is so good, then tell me why he allows innocent people to suffer horribly.

18.  Meditation actually rewires the brain.  That's why it improves health and well-being.

19.  People continue to use vitamin and dietary supplements even though there's no scientific evidence that they work.

20.  People use vitamin and dietary supplements because they are convinced by deceptive marketing that they work.