There are certain words that often indicate the presence of a particular element of an argument. These are called indicator words. Not every element of an argument is flagged up by an indicator word, and not every use of an indicator word is associated with an element of an argument, but indicator words are useful guides.

Conclusions

Conclusions are often indicated by one of the following words or phrases: “therefore”; “thus”; “hence”; “so”; “in conclusion”; “consequently”; “showing that”; “demonstrating that”; “proving that”; “establishing that”; “meaning that”; “entails that”; “implies that”; “as a result”. In past papers, conclusions have often been statements about how we ought to respond to something, so “should”, “must”, and “ought to” should also be treated as indicator words, albeit cautiously.

Reasons

Indicator words for reasons include the following: “because”; “as”; “since”; “in order to”; “otherwise”. Sometimes authors enumerate their reasons, writing “First, …”, “Second, …”, “Third, …” etc., which can also help in their identification.

Counter-Arguments

Counter-arguments can be given away by phrases like “some might argue that”, “it has been suggested that”, or equivalent phrases. The main giveaway for counter-arguments, though, is that the reason(s) cited count against the author’s conclusion rather than for it.