Role Questions — What Does This Statement Do?

"The claim that X plays which role in the argument?"

Possible roles:

Main conclusion of the argument

Intermediate conclusion (supports the main conclusion)

Premise (evidence supporting a conclusion)

Background information (context, not argumentative)

Opposing viewpoint that the author rejects

Example illustrating a broader point

Strategy:

1. Find the main conclusion first

2. Determine: does the highlighted statement support the conclusion? IS it the conclusion? Does it oppose the conclusion?

3. Match to answer choices

Trap: Confusing an intermediate conclusion with a premise. An intermediate conclusion is supported BY premises and supports THE main conclusion. It plays a dual role.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Logical Reasoning

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logical_reasoning