Simple ArgMAP exercises

Use ArgMAP to draw an argument map for each of the following arguments. They are very simple examples to help you become familiar with ArgMAP's notation. If your diagram looks different from the suggested solution, make sure that you think carefully as to why this is the case.

Example 1

[1. Many people think that having a dark tan is attractive.] [2. But the fact is that too much exposure to the sun is very unhealthy.] [3. It has been shown that sunlight can cause premature aging of the skin.] [4. Ultraviolent rays in the sun might also trigger off skin cancer.]

ANSWER

Example 2

[1. Student standards are dropping] for various reasons. Because [2. student numbers have a direct effect on a department's budget,] [3. there are too many students in a class and teachers are under increasing pressure not to fail them.] Also, [4. teachers have a lot of administrative duties and have less time for students.]

ANSWER

Example 3

[1. If Lala is here, then Po should be here as well.] [2. It follows that if Po is not here, Lala is also absent,] and indeed [3. Po is not here.] So most likely [4. Lala is not around.]

ANSWER

Example 4

[1. The media is essential for a democracy] as [2. newspapers, radio and television all provide crucial information about the government.] [3. Without the media, citizens would have very little information to rely on in order to evaluate and criticize government policies.]