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Argument Mapping

Argument Mapping problems require you to identify the components of an argument (premises and conclusion) and understand how they relate. You must recognize the conclusion (what the argument tries to prove) and the premises (evidence supporting it).

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
Beginner to IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Argument Mapping

Argument Mapping problems require you to identify the components of an argument (premises and conclusion) and understand how they relate. You must recognize the conclusion (what the argument tries to prove) and the premises (evidence supporting it).

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of arguments Ability to identify conclusion indicators (therefore, thus, so, hence) Ability to identify premise indicators (because, since, for, given that) Logical structure recognition
Why This Matters: Argument Mapping is fundamental to all critical reasoning. You can expect 2-3 questions in SSC CGL, Banking PO, and CAT exams.

How to Solve Argument Mapping Problems

1

Step 1: Read the entire argument to understand its purpose

2

Step 2: Look for conclusion indicators (therefore, thus, so, hence, consequently, accordingly)

3

Step 3: Look for premise indicators (because, since, for, given that, as, due to)

4

Step 4: The conclusion is what the argument is trying to prove

5

Step 5: Premises are the reasons given to support the conclusion

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Step 6: Check if the conclusion can be identified by asking 'What is the author trying to convince me of?'

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Step 7: Identify the logical form (e.g., If P then Q, P, therefore Q)

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Step 8: Map the relationship between premises and conclusion

Pro Strategy: Start by finding the conclusion - it's usually at the beginning or end, often signaled by indicator words. Then work backward to identify what evidence is offered. In complex arguments, there may be sub-conclusions that also serve as premises for the main conclusion.

Example Problem

Example: 'All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.' Identify conclusion and premises. Solution: Step 1: 'Therefore' signals the conclusion Step 2: Conclusion: Socrates is mortal Step 3: Premises: 'All humans are mortal' and 'Socrates is human' Step 4: Logical form: All A are B, C is A, therefore C is B Step 5: Valid syllogism Answer: Conclusion: 'Socrates is mortal'; Premises: 'All humans are mortal' and 'Socrates is human'

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Conclusion indicators: therefore, thus, so, hence, consequently, accordingly, proves that, shows that, implies that
  • Premise indicators: because, since, for, given that, as, due to, in light of, considering that
  • The conclusion can be at the beginning, middle, or end of the argument
  • Some arguments have no indicator words - identify conclusion by asking 'What is the main point?'
  • Arguments can have multiple premises supporting one conclusion
  • Sub-conclusions are statements that are supported by premises and also support the main conclusion

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Look for 'therefore' and 'so' - they almost always signal the conclusion
Look for 'because' and 'since' - they almost always signal premises
If no indicators, the first or last sentence is often the conclusion
The conclusion is the statement that has the most support
Premises are statements that have support from other statements or are given as facts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing the conclusion with the topic or issue
Treating background information as a premise
Missing sub-conclusions in complex arguments
Assuming the first sentence is always the conclusion
Not distinguishing between the argument and the author's opinion

Exam Importance

Argument Mapping is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
2-3 questions
BANKING PO
2-3 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
CAT
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
2-3 questions

Ready to Master Argument Mapping?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
Start Practicing Now