When evaluating an author’s logic, it's important to ask questions that help you understand their reasoning, the strength of their arguments, and whether their conclusions make sense. Here are some questions you can consider:
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What is the main argument?
- What is the author trying to convince me of?
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What evidence is provided?
- Does the author use facts, examples, or statistics to support their argument? Are these sources reliable?
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Are there any assumptions?
- Does the author make any assumptions that might not be true? What are they?
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Is the reasoning clear?
- Does the author explain their thoughts clearly? Are there any confusing points?
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Are there counterarguments?
- Does the author address any opposing viewpoints? If not, why might that be important?
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How do the conclusions follow from the evidence?
- Does the conclusion make sense based on the evidence provided? Are there any logical jumps?
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Are there emotional appeals?
- Is the author trying to make me feel a certain way? How does this affect the logic of their argument?
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Is the argument consistent?
- Does the author stay on topic, or do they bring up unrelated ideas that weaken their main point?
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What is the intended audience?
- Who is the author trying to convince? How might this affect their logic?
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What are my own thoughts?
- Do I agree or disagree with the author? Why? What evidence or reasoning do I have for my own opinion?
By asking these questions, you'll be able to think critically about the author's logic and form your own well-supported opinion.
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