Assess the reasoning
Once you have the argument mapped out, assess the reasoning. Ask yourself the following questions to help you identify weaknesses of logic:
(1.) Is there an alternative explanation that is possible?An alternative explanation is a different reason for the same claim. Probing the alternative explanations or reasons for a claim is an excellent way to open up weaknesses in the author`s logic.
Example: "John was late because he obviously doesn`t care about the class." (An alternative explanation for John`s lateness could be that he got in a car wreck, and therefore couldn`t make it on time to class, not that he doesn`t care about it.)
(2.) Is the evidence presented sufficient?Evidencerefers to the support given for a claim. This support may be in the form of facts, statistics, authoritative quotations, studies, observations, experiences, research, or other forms of proof.
Example: "John was late because he has Alzheimer`s disease, and according to the American Medical Association,Alzheimer`s patients frequently forgot who and where they are" (Jones 65). (The writer has given evidence in the form of research for his or her reasoning.)
(3.) What assumptions do the reasons rest on? An assumption is what one takes for granted to be true, but which actually may not be true. All arguments rest on some common assumptions. This common ground makes it possible for two people to have a dialogue in the first place, but these assumptions, because they are based on groundless ideas, make for a "sweet spot" of attack in argument.
Step 3: Brainstorming
Find an original idea