We have learnt so far that an argument is a collection of claims (things that can be true or false) with one claim being the conclusion (the claim that the argument tries to convince you of) and the other claims, if true, making the conclusion more likely.

We can visualize an argument with a diagram:

To draw such a diagram, start by drawing a box for each claim that appears in the argument. Then, add an arrow to the conclusion from each claim that makes the conclusion more likely.

By drawing such a diagram, you understand the structure of the argument. This is because the diagram shows the structure using boxes and arrows. The diagram shows which of the claims in the argument is the conclusion: the one that the arrows point to. And it shows which claims make the conclusion more likely: the ones from which arrows originate.

To practice, draw a diagram for each of the arguments below.

• Type text in the box and click "+" to add a claim.
• Click on the arrow button and then on another claim to draw an arrow.
• Right-click on a claim or arrow to delete it.
• Click the button at the bottom to get feedback on your diagram when you're finished or unsure how to proceed.