Example 5

 

Take a look at this argument.

           

Identifying the Parts of the Argument

 

5) “History can help us to learn from our mistakes, so everyone should know at least a little history.”

 

Once again, for each of the underlined sentences, determine whether it’s the ultimate conclusion, a premise, or a subconclusion in the argument. You can check your answer by resting the mouse over it.

 

“History can help us to learn from our mistakes” is

the ultimate conclusion

a premise

a subconclusion

 

“Everyone should know at least a little history” is

the ultimate conclusion

a premise

a subconclusion

 

Now let’s see how this argument is diagrammed