Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing, 2nd Ed

GUIDE TO IMPORTANT SKILLS 191

How do I make my reasoning easy to follow for people reading or listening

to my arguments and explanations?

Make sure that you properly indicate the reasoned links you are making, signalling

the analytical structure to your audience. (See pp 27-9.)

Why, and how, should I use footnotes or other references in my work?

They provide references to authority, which strengthen the substance of your

reasoning. (See pp 65-7, 78-9.)

What should be the goal of my reasoning?

Reasoning has many purposes, each of which will affect the precise way that you

argue or explain. (See pp 4, 21—2, 124-5.)

When writing or presenting, how do I deal with ideas with which I do not

agree?

Make sure you use reasoning to show explicitly why an idea is wrong, thereby

preventing criticism of your work. (See pp 85-6, 112-13.)

How do I make sure that I understand the interpretive frameworks that

are central to all knowledge?

In your thinking, you need to distinguish between 'facts' and the way that they can

be understood as relating to other 'facts'; in your writing, make sure that you use

framing premises. (See pp 5-6, 45-6, 78, 111-13.)

What are the two key components of a good argument or explanation?

You need premises (reasons, evidence) to support your conclusion (a clear state-

ment of what you are arguing for or explaining). (See pp 19-22, 32-6.)

How can I distinguish between my ideas and what I am saying about

others' ideas in my essays and presentations?

Clearly distinguish between when you are arguing directly and when you are

arguing indirectly. (See pp 57-60, 112-16.)

What is wrong with giving just one reason for my conclusion?

Your arguments will not have enough breadth and will not address all the issues

that your audience is expecting you to consider. (See pp 44-5, 71-4.)

How can I be more effective in doing research and reading before I write?
Ask questions, and understand the relationship between your sources and your own
essay, presentation, or report. (See pp 107-13.)

How can I assess someone else's reasoning to see if they have presented

a good argument or explanation?

You can 'cast' their work into claims and a structure diagram. (See pp 12-15, 32-7.)