Identifying Premises in Written Essays:
A premise is a statement that serves as a foundation for an argument. It is a claim that the writer believes to be true and uses to support their conclusion. Here's how to identify premises in an essay:
1. Look for Statements of Belief:
* Keywords: Pay attention to words like "because," "since," "for," "as," "due to," "given that," and "in light of," which often signal a premise.
* Direct Statements: The writer might explicitly state their belief, like "I believe that..." or "It is clear that..."
2. Identify the Argument's Structure:
* Conclusion First: Sometimes, the conclusion comes first, followed by the premises that support it.
* Premise-Conclusion Order: Often, the premises are stated before the conclusion, leading the reader to accept the conclusion based on the provided reasons.
3. Ask "Why?" Questions:
* Challenge the Conclusion: Ask yourself why the conclusion is true. The answers you come up with are likely to be premises.
* Connect the Dots: Figure out how each part of the essay connects to the main argument. The statements that link the pieces together are often premises.
4. Consider Different Types of Premises:
* Factual Premise: Based on observable evidence or accepted truths.
* Value Premise: Based on personal beliefs or values.
* Assumption: An unstated premise that the writer takes for granted.
5. Example:
Essay: "Fast food restaurants are unhealthy because they use lots of unhealthy ingredients, serve large portions, and often lack nutritional value."
* Premise 1: Fast food restaurants use lots of unhealthy ingredients.
* Premise 2: Fast food restaurants serve large portions.
* Premise 3: Fast food restaurants often lack nutritional value.
* Conclusion: Fast food restaurants are unhealthy.
Remember:
* Premises can be explicit or implicit.
* An essay can have multiple premises.
* Premises can be simple or complex.
* Understanding premises is essential for understanding the essay's argument.
By practicing these techniques, you can effectively identify premises in written essays and gain a deeper understanding of the author's argument.