Arguments, Conclusions, and Reasons

An attempt to persuade a reader (or listener) to accept something.

An argument must have:

• at least one reason
• a conclusion

Example: It's very cold today. Therefore you should put on a warm coat.

The reason is "it's very cold today." The conclusion is "therefore you should put on a warm coat."

Together they make an argument! 

A statement that aims to persuade the reader to accept a conclusion.

Reasons are the basis for persuading you that the conclusion is true. To check if something is a reason use the "because test."

Example: It's very cold today. Therefore you should put on a warm coat.

We can insert "because" in front of the reason and the conclusion will still make sense. 

"Because it's very cold today, you should put on a warm coat."

Other Argument Indicators for a Reason

• since
• due to 
• such as
• as

A statement of something that the writer wants the reader to accept based on the reasons given.

It is is usually:

• something that we might (or might not) do
• something we might (or might not) believe, accept, or support

To check if something is a conclusion use the "therefore test." Insert "therefore" before the conclusion, if it makes sense you are right!

Argument Indicators for a Conclusion

• therefore
• so
• thus
• consequently
• we should.../we ought...