By argument, I mean information made up of evidence (premises) leading to a conclusion.
I cannot adequately express the importance of reading arguments with this mental framework:
WHY is the conclusion true? Because the evidence is true.
Put another way:
This conclusion true. WHY? Because the intermediate conclusion is true. WHY is the intermediate conclusion true? Because the evidence is true.
Note that most arguments do not feature an intermediate conclusion.
Reading arguments in this way does two things. First, it confirms that the conclusion has been properly identified. In fact, this goes to the very definition of the meaning of a conclusion: Information supported by evidence. In other words, evidence answers WHY a conclusion is true.
More importantly though, asking WHY is the best way to identify the assumption, the flaw, the gap, or whatever you want to call it. It takes practice though. Not with new material at this point though. Use previously answered questions until you’re comfortable with the process.
Specifically, ask WHY the conclusion is true and identify any and all information that purportedly answers this question. “Purportedly” because most arguments are initially invalid.
Most of the time, one or two pieces of evidence will answer WHY the conclusion is true. Three pieces of evidence is rare, but can happen. So when looking at previously answered questions, make sure to identify any and all information that supports the conclusion.
Keep in mind that background/contextual information is relevant, even though it doesn’t answer WHY the conclusion is true.
If necessary, practice by saying the process out loud, but do NOT change any of the wording of the argument, which should be looked at as the law. With enough practice, it becomes clear that the evidence provided in the argument is simply not enough to demonstrate the truth of the conclusion.
In other words, it becomes easier to see the assumption, the flaw, etc. But again, it does take practice.
Happy to answer any questions.