Types of Conclusion

Simple Beliefs

This name may be somewhat misleading, since you could make the case that all conclusions are a sort of simple belief; however, some students find it useful to characterize any conclusion that isn't one of the above types as a simple belief. These are conclusions that are plain claims that the arguer believes to be true and that aren't comparisons, assessments, recommendations, or predictions. Examples It's clear that the student cheated on the test. The thief is probably still in the house somewhere. [Why aren't these assessments?] These examples aren't assessments in the sense of the word in which we're using it—that is, to imply a subjective value judgment. In the first example, the arguer doesn't say or imply that the student was wrong or a bad person for cheating on the test. It's a simple statement of something the arguer believes to be true. Likewise, in the second example, there is no value judgment about the thief, but rather a simple belief about the thief's whereabouts.

Recommendations

This type of conclusion asserts the best method or course of action (or, in its negative form, recommends against a certain method or course of action). Examples In treating this disease, then, physicians should favor Treatment X. It's likely that extending the warranty is the only way to gain new customers. Top tip: look out for common indicators Often, a keyword such as "should" or "ought to" will signal a recommendation to you, but sometimes the recommendation is implied (such as in the example about the warranty).

Comparisons

This type of conclusion compares two elements with each other or compares one element with itself. Examples It's clear that this year's candidate is stronger than last year's candidate. It's clear that this year's candidate understands the public's wishes better than she did a year ago. Top tip: Common indicators Comparative words (better than, healthier than, more useful than) can help you identify a conclusion as a comparison.

Predictions

A prediction asserts the arguer's opinion about something that will take place in the near or distant future. Examples Obviously, the tennis match will be rescheduled. Our homeless population may not be reduced by next year. Top tip for Identify the conclusion questions If the arguer believes something will or will not happen at some point in the future, the chances are good that it's the argument's main conclusion.

Definite (degree)

Definite conclusions may also be referred to as categorical conclusions. They are often signaled by keywords such as: every all none never will Any signal word that indicates that something is true 100% or 0% of the time can be classified as definite. Top tip: In a match the structure or match the flaws question, the degree of the conclusion of the argument in the correct option will often match the degree of the conclusion of the argument in the passage. Top tip: In flaw questions, definite conclusions can indicate that the arguer is overlooking other possibilities in drawing that conclusion.

Assessments

When an arguer assigns a certain subjective attribute to something, you might call it an assessment. Examples The flower is beautiful. This policy is very helpful. The outcome will be important. Note: Scientific facts aren't assessments "The sun is made up of several gases" is a fact; "The sun is a joyful sight" is an assessment.

Causation

When one thing (such as an event, action, phenomenon) directly affects another, it's a causal relationship. Examples Last night, I took cough medicine and today I feel much better. So that cough medicine is really effective. (Cause: cough medicine; effect: feeling better) Jonathan gets good grades without trying very hard, and his teachers have said multiple times how much they like him. The only possible way that Jonathan maintains his good grades is because of how much his teachers like him. (Cause: teachers liking Jonathan; effect: good grades) Top tip: Not so fast! If someone believes something to be true because of certain facts being true, that isn't necessarily a causal relationship. Example: My friend always calls me on Wednesdays. Therefore, she's definitely going to call me tomorrow. There is no direct cause and effect here because there isn't something that is directly affecting something else.

Indefinite (degree)

You may see indefinite conclusions referred to as qualified conclusions. They're often signaled by keywords: Likelihood: likely, unlikely, possible, could, might Quantity: some, most, more Frequency: rarely, seldom, often, sometimes, usually Proximity: almost, nearly Any signal word that indicates that something isn't necessarily true 100% or 0% of the time can be classified as indefinite.