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Para-Completion Questions
Q.18 There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities.
Paragraph: _____(1)_____. An argument can be defined as a complex symbolic structure where some parts, known as the premises, offer support to another part, the conclusion. Alternatively, an argument can be viewed as a complex speech act consisting of one or more acts of premising (which assert propositions in favor of the conclusion), an act of concluding, and a stated or implicit marker (âhenceâ, âthereforeâ) that indicates that the conclusion follows from the premises. _____(2)_____. The relation of support between premises and conclusion can be cashed out in different ways: the premises may guarantee the truth of the conclusion, or make its truth more probable; the premises may imply the conclusion; the premises may make the conclusion more acceptable (or assertible). _____(3)_____. But depending on oneâs explanatory goals, there is also much to be gained from considering arguments as they in fact occur in human communicative practices. _____(4)_____.
1. Option 3
2. Option 2
3. Option 4
4. Option 1
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 1
Explanation:
The sentence, âFor theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities,â introduces a theoretical perspective on arguments, suggesting that arguments can be studied in isolation from real-world contexts. This sentence would work well as a lead-in to a more structured definition of what an argument is.
Letâs evaluate each option:
- Option 1: This blank could be a good fit as an opening sentence. However, placing it here would mean that the definition of an argument as a âfreestanding entityâ would immediately precede an alternative view on arguments without developing the first definition adequately.
- Option 2: This blank follows a more detailed definition of an argument, with both the symbolic structure and speech act perspectives. Inserting the sentence here would not add to the paragraphâs flow, as this space is better used for expanding on the characteristics of an argument.
- Option 3: This blank is an ideal choice because it directly follows the explanation of different ways premises support conclusions. Adding the given sentence here contrasts the preceding theoretical discussion by introducing the potential for abstracting arguments in theoretical analysis. This placement then leads into the next sentence, which acknowledges the benefits of examining arguments within real human contexts.
- Option 4: This blank is less suitable as it follows the discussion on the practical use of arguments in communication, and the given sentence would be redundant or out of place here.
Thus, Option 3 is the correct answer, as it provides a logical transition between the theoretical considerations and the practical examination of arguments, enhancing the flow and coherence of the paragraph.
Word 1: Freestanding
Context:
"For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities." - Academic Text on Argumentation Theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âfreestandingâ refers to something that stands alone or exists independently, without needing support or attachment to something else. It can be used both literallyâlike a freestanding bookshelfâand metaphorically. In this context, it means that arguments are being considered in isolation, without referring to the social, cultural, or practical contexts in which they typically arise. This abstraction helps in theoretical analysis but may miss the nuances of real-world communication.
Meaning: Independent or not attached to or supported by anything else (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FREE-stand-ing
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Compound of "free" (independent) + "standing" (upright or remaining in place); used since the 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is often used in academic and design contexts. In philosophy and argument theory, it refers to isolating ideas for clarity, while in architecture or furniture, it denotes items not attached to walls or structures.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: independent, self-contained, autonomous, isolated, unattached
Antonyms: dependent, connected, attached, integrated, reliant
Usage Examples:
- The museum features a freestanding sculpture in the main lobby.
- Freestanding arguments can be useful for logical analysis but lack real-world context.
- The company installed freestanding kiosks to serve customers more efficiently.
- She designed a freestanding bathtub for the modern bathroom layout.
Cultural Reference:
Freestanding monuments like the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower often become iconic symbols, precisely because of their bold, independent structures.
Think About It:
Can ideas or arguments truly exist as freestanding entities, or are they always shaped by context and culture?
Quick Activity:
List three examples of freestanding objects or ideas from different fields (e.g., architecture, philosophy, design). Describe how their independence is an advantage or disadvantage.
Memory Tip:
Picture a coat rack standing in the middle of a room, not attached to anythingâthatâs freestanding! It stands free and alone.
Real-World Application:
Freestanding structures are important in architecture and design, offering flexibility in placement and mobilityâjust like freestanding arguments in theory provide clarity and focus.
Word 2: Abstracted
Context:
"For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities." - Academic Text on Argumentation Theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
âAbstractedâ in this context means taken out of or separated from their original, real-world situation to focus on theoretical or conceptual aspects. When something is abstracted, it is viewed independently of practical details to allow for generalized thinking. For instance, a real-life argument between two people might be abstracted in a philosophy class to analyze its structure without concern for emotional or social context. This is useful for learning but may oversimplify complex human interactions.
Meaning: Removed or separated from a concrete situation; considered in a theoretical or general form (Verb â past participle)
Pronunciation: ab-STRAK-tid
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *abstrahere* meaning "to draw away," from *ab-* (away) + *trahere* (to pull or draw)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Often used in academic writing, "abstracted" signals a move away from the specific and toward the universal. Itâs important to note whether this abstraction adds clarity or results in oversimplification.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: separated, removed, isolated, generalized, conceptualized
Antonyms: embedded, contextualized, grounded, situated, specific
Usage Examples:
- The data was abstracted from various sources to create a unified model.
- Her thoughts seemed abstracted, as though she were lost in deep contemplation.
- The ethical dilemma was abstracted for classroom discussion, omitting personal details.
- Abstracted concepts often lose some of the richness of real-world experiences.
Cultural Reference:
In classical art and modern philosophy, abstracted forms aim to capture the essence of a subject without depicting it literallyâlike Picassoâs abstracted portraits or Kantâs abstracted moral laws.
Think About It:
Does abstraction help us understand universal truths, or does it risk removing important context and meaning?
Quick Activity:
Choose a personal experience and try to abstract it into a general principle. What do you lose and what do you gain in the process?
Memory Tip:
Imagine âabstractedâ as pulling a single thread from a complex webâit lets you study the thread, but you donât see the whole web anymore.
Real-World Application:
Abstracting data or ideas is essential in fields like research, philosophy, and artificial intelligence, where simplification allows for broader understanding and model-building.
Word 3: Assert
Context:
"Alternatively, an argument can be viewed as a complex speech act consisting of one or more acts of premising (which assert propositions in favor of the conclusion), an act of concluding, and a stated or implicit marker (âhenceâ, âthereforeâ) that indicates that the conclusion follows from the premises." - Academic Text on Argumentation Theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âassertâ means to confidently state or declare something as true. In logical or argumentative contexts, asserting a proposition involves presenting it as a claim or statement that supports a conclusion. It doesnât necessarily mean the statement is trueâit means the speaker presents it as if it were. This is a fundamental part of argumentation, where premises are asserted to justify or support conclusions drawn through reasoning.
Meaning: To state or declare something confidently or forcefully (Verb)
Pronunciation: uh-SURT
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *assertus*, past participle of *asserere* meaning "to claim, affirm, or maintain," from *ad-* (to) + *serere* (join or attach)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAssertâ is a critical term in logic, writing, and public speaking. Students must learn not only how to assert claims but also how to support them with valid reasoning. Itâs also important to note that to assert is not to proveâitâs just the first step in making an argument.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: declare, state, claim, affirm, pronounce
Antonyms: deny, reject, withhold, question, refute
Usage Examples:
- The scientist asserted that the new theory better explained the phenomenon.
- In his essay, he asserts that freedom of speech is essential for democracy.
- She asserted her innocence firmly during the interrogation.
- The lawyer asserted that his client had no motive to commit the crime.
Cultural Reference:
Assertiveness is often encouraged in leadership and communication training, as seen in popular books like *The Assertiveness Workbook* by Randy J. Paterson, which emphasizes the balance between passivity and aggression.
Think About It:
What makes an assertion persuasive? Can an assertion be powerful without evidence?
Quick Activity:
Write three short assertions about a topic you care about. Then, list one piece of evidence to support each assertion.
Memory Tip:
Think of âassertâ as saying something with *certainty*âyouâre pushing your point forward confidently, like a sword being thrust into a debate!
Real-World Application:
In legal settings, business negotiations, and persuasive writing, being able to assert claims clearly and support them logically is a crucial skill for effective communication and influence.
Word 4: Imply
Context:
"The relation of support between premises and conclusion can be cashed out in different ways: the premises may guarantee the truth of the conclusion, or make its truth more probable; the premises may imply the conclusion; the premises may make the conclusion more acceptable (or assertible)." - Academic Text on Argumentation Theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âimplyâ refers to suggesting or indicating something indirectly, without stating it outright. In logical or argumentative contexts, when we say that premises âimplyâ a conclusion, we mean that the conclusion logically follows from the premisesâeven if it's not explicitly stated. This term is essential in reasoning and debate, where understanding what is implied (rather than just what is said) can reveal the deeper structure or hidden assumptions of an argument.
Meaning: To suggest or indicate something without directly stating it; in logic, to entail a conclusion from premises (Verb)
Pronunciation: im-PLY
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *implicare*, meaning "to entangle" or "involve," from *in-* (in) + *plicare* (to fold)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âImplyâ is a subtle yet powerful word. It requires the listener or reader to read between the lines. In logic, implication is a precise relationship between statements; in everyday language, it often leaves room for interpretation. Make sure to distinguish âimplyâ (by the speaker) from âinferâ (by the listener).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: suggest, indicate, entail, signal, allude to
Antonyms: state, declare, assert, express, spell out
Usage Examples:
- Her tone implied that she was not happy with the decision.
- These facts imply that further investigation is necessary.
- The silence of the committee seemed to imply agreement.
- In formal logic, if A implies B, then whenever A is true, B must also be true.
Cultural Reference:
In detective fiction like *Sherlock Holmes*, much of the narrative relies on clues that imply certain conclusionsâthough they are rarely spelled out directly, challenging readers to infer the truth.
Think About It:
Have you ever implied something you didnât want to say outright? Why do people choose to imply rather than directly state?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences that imply something without saying it directly. Then, write what each sentence is implying beneath it.
Memory Tip:
Remember: *You* imply, *they* infer. Think of âimplyâ as planting a seedâwhat grows from it is the listenerâs interpretation.
Real-World Application:
Understanding implications is vital in law, negotiations, and relationships, where what is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken.
Word 5: Assertible
Context:
"The relation of support between premises and conclusion can be cashed out in different ways: the premises may guarantee the truth of the conclusion, or make its truth more probable; the premises may imply the conclusion; the premises may make the conclusion more acceptable (or assertible)." - Academic Text on Argumentation Theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
âAssertibleâ refers to something that can be assertedâthat is, stated or declared with justification or confidence. In philosophical and logical contexts, a statement is assertible if there are sufficient reasons or premises supporting it. It doesnât necessarily mean the statement is absolutely true, but that it is reasonable and acceptable to affirm it based on the evidence or logical support provided. This concept is important in argumentation because it helps distinguish between claims that are merely opinions and those that can be reasonably defended.
Meaning: Capable of being stated or declared with justification (Adjective)
Pronunciation: uh-SURT-uh-buhl
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from the verb âassertâ (from Latin *asserere*, meaning "to claim") + the suffix â-ibleâ (capable of)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âAssertibleâ is a more technical term used in philosophical logic and epistemology. It's not as commonly used in everyday conversation, but itâs crucial when evaluating whether a claim has the logical backing to be confidently made. It serves as a bridge between opinion and provable fact.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: defensible, arguable, justifiable, supportable, tenable
Antonyms: indefensible, unjustifiable, unsupportable, baseless
Usage Examples:
- The claim that climate change is influenced by human activity is assertible based on scientific evidence.
- Only assertible propositions should be used in formal arguments.
- Her conclusion is not assertible without more data to support it.
- In a rational debate, participants must present assertible claims, not mere opinions.
Cultural Reference:
In analytic philosophy, figures like Michael Dummett and Alfred Tarski have explored the notion of âassertibility conditionsâ as part of theories of meaning and truth.
Think About It:
Can a belief be personally meaningful even if it's not assertible by logical or evidential standards?
Quick Activity:
Take three common opinions (e.g., âReading is beneficialâ) and turn them into assertible claims by adding reasoning or evidence to support each one.
Memory Tip:
Think of âassertibleâ as âable to be assertedâ with a solid reasonâitâs like having a permission slip from logic to say something aloud.
Real-World Application:
In academic writing, law, and critical thinking, focusing on assertible claims helps ensure that arguments are grounded in logic and evidence, not just emotion or speculation.
