Page 187 - Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing, 2nd Ed

Glossary of Key

Terms and Concepts

These 'key terms' summarise and draw together various points and concepts
discussed in the text. Each includes a reference to the chapter in which they are first
discussed; many are generally applicable throughout the book.
analogy, reasoning from
The conclusion is established by comparing similarities between like objects in the
premises. The key questions to ask are about the similarities and differences
between the known case and the case under discussion. (See chapter 7.)

analysis
The process of thinking through the connections and interrelations between individual
'bits' of information (be they facts, values, opinions, possibilities, predictions, or what-
ever). Arguing and explaining are about communicating your considered view of these
connections (in relation to a particular topic). Analysis is the process of finding out about,
thinking through, and reflecting upon the connections in preparation for communi-
cating. Compare with analytical questions and analytical structure. (See chapter 8.)

analytical questions
Any questions designed to guide our research or reasoning by suggesting possible
relations between claims. Questions can either relate primarily to our own text or
to its connections with the surrounding context. (See chapter 8.)
analytical structure
The essential structure of claims and of the links between them, which lies behind the
narrative expression of arguments and explanations, and which can be represented as

174