Main Conclusion guide
Main Conclusion questions ask which statement the argument is ultimately trying to establish — the claim the other statements are there to support, not a premise and not a stepping-stone along the way.
The method
- Find the claim that the rest of the argument supports — apply the 'therefore' test.
- Distinguish premises (the support) from the conclusion (the point).
- Watch for intermediate conclusions: a claim can be supported and still not be the main one.
- Separate a recommendation from the conclusion that justifies it.
Common mistakes
- Picking a premise instead of the conclusion.
- Picking an intermediate conclusion partway through the chain.
- Confusing a recommendation with the main conclusion.
- Choosing the most strongly worded sentence rather than the supported one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a premise from the conclusion?
Put 'therefore' in front of each candidate. The conclusion is the one the others lead to, not the one that provides the reason.