Non-Arguments

Non arguments can consist of single statement,  or multiple statements.  In all cases,  non-arguments do not make claim and then support that claim with facts and reasons. 

If authors are doing any of the following,  they are not providing arguments:

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these non arguments are listed on the Quizlet.com website here.

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None of the following make an argument when they occur by themselves. At the same time,  any of the above kinds of statements might occur in the process of making an argument. 

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* Giving you advice.        

* Warning you.

* Describing how to do something (e.g. providing a recipe for making lentil soup).

* Stating a belief or opinion.         

* Telling a story. 

* Providing examples                  

* Illustrating a point.

 

Explanations are often confused by students as being the same as arguments, but they are not.   Explanations consist of one or more statements that answer the question, why?  That is, they try to point out why somthing is the case.