Discussion

Template for Analyzing the Logic of an Article[footnoteRef:1] [1: Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2020). The miniature guide to critical thinking concepts and tools (8th ed.). Foundation for Critical Thinking.]

Reference Article per APA:

1. The main purpose of this article is __________________________________________.

(State as accurately as possible the author’s purpose for writing the article.)

2. The key question that the author is addressing is _______________________________.

(Figure out the key question in the mind of the author when s/he wrote the article.)

3. The most important information in this article is _______________________________.

(Figure out the facts, experiences, data the author is using to support her/his conclusions.)

4. The main inferences/conclusions in this article are _____________________________.

(Identify the key conclusions the author comes to and presents in the article.)

5. The key concept(s) we need to understand in this article is (are) __________________.

By these concepts, the author means _____________________________.

(Figure out the most important ideas you would have to understand in order to understand the author’s line of reasoning.)

6. The main assumption(s) underlying the author’s thinking is (are) _________________.

(Figure out what the author is taking for granted [that might be questioned].)

7a. If we take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are ___________________.

(What consequences are likely to follow if people take the author’s line of reasoning?)

7b. If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are _____________.

(What consequences are likely to follow if people ignore the author’s reasoning?)

8. The main point(s) of view presented in this article is (are) ______________________.

(What is the author looking at, and how is s/he seeing it?; Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 29)