Page 425 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Focus on Examining Logical

Connections: Thinking about Logic

Look at the sign pictured here. Is it illogical under the

circumstances?

Evidence of illogical thinking is everywhere. Often, that lack of

logic comes from forced comparisons, faulty cause-effect

relationships, or ill-formed arguments. It’s not enough just to

compare two things or say that an effect happened or to argue

without evidence. It’s also necessary to show the logical
connections between the two things that are being compared,

explain how an effect clearly stemmed from a cause, or provide

evidence that supports an argument.

Reflect on It

Find a sign somewhere that you think has some sort of logical
flaw. Describe your sign (or better yet, take a picture of it), and