1) Introduction
Since the eight elements of thought are present in all thinking, we can use them as tools to unlock meaning in anyone's
reasoning. In this assignment, you will analyze the reasoning in an editorial by breaking it down into its parts.
Find an editorial from one of the following news websites. Be sure to locate an article that expresses a clear opinion on a topic. Include the link on a Works Cited page at the end of your paper so your instructor may access the editorial.
National Public Radio Opinion Page
New York Times Opinion Page
Yahoo Opinion Page
Washington Post Editorials Page
Write the logic of the article by identifying and analyzing the elements of thought. You should write at least a paragraph on each
element, including examples from the editorial where appropriate.
The main purpose of this article is. . .
The key question that the author is addressing is. . .
The main point(s) of view presented in this article is (are). . .
The key concepts we need to understand in this article are. . . By these concepts, the author means. . .
The most important information in this article is. . .
The main assumptions underlying the author's reasoning are. . .
The main inferences/conclusions in this article are. . .
If we take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are. . . If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are. . .
And. . .
What is the context for the reasoning here?
Does the author provide any alternatives for any of the elements?
Sample Solution