The most fundamental skills required for Unit 2 is the ability to extract an argument from a passage and break it down into its constituent parts. This requires comprehension skills, analytic ability, and an understanding of the elements of arguments.

Once the argument of a passage has been identified, it needs to be assessed. Is the argument the argument a strong one? To what extent do the reasons offered support the conclusion drawn? What does the argument assume, and are those assumptions plausible? In short, should we accept the argument’s conclusion?

Part of this assessment requires an understanding of evidence sampling. If empirical data is offered as evidence then it is important to consider how it has been gathered. Is there enough data? Has it been collected from a variety of sources? Is it a random selection or has it been hand-picked to support a particular perspective?

Also important is a knowledge of logical fallacies. These are common errors of reasoning that you should be on the look out for. It is important that you know their names, and can explain what’s wrong with arguments that commit them.