Identifying Main Conclusions and Unstated Assumptions
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1. Finding Premises and Conclusions
Every TSA argument has a structure. Premises provide reasons, while the conclusion is the statement those reasons support. Words such as because, since, and given often introduce premises. Words such as therefore, thus, and so often introduce conclusions.
A common trap is choosing the most interesting sentence instead of the actual conclusion. Ask yourself: if I placed the word therefore before this sentence, would the argument still make sense?
Worked example
Statement: 'All students who practise logic improve their reasoning. Emma practises logic every week. Therefore Emma will improve her reasoning.' The first two sentences are premises. The final sentence is the conclusion because it follows from the evidence.
1.A conclusion is the claim supported by the premises.
2.The word because usually introduces a conclusion.
3.The Therefore test can help locate the main conclusion.
Exam strategy
Focus on understanding underlying concepts — exam questions test application, not memorization.
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