This document discusses the importance of logic and reasoning. It provides examples of arguments with good and poor logic. A good argument builds logic step-by-step to connect reasons and convince the reader, while a poor argument is missing connections between ideas. The document encourages developing strong logical reasoning and considering if additional reasons can strengthen an argument without stating obvious connections.

1. Writing 101
Logic and Reasoning

2. Learning Objectives

To learn the importance of logic when
reasoning.

3. Review


You have learnt that gathering viewpoints on
different topics can be done quickly using a Key
Word Cloud or Semantics Field.
This Key Word Cloud gives you the vocabulary
to write well.

4. Introduction



You need to link them.
The links you develop
is built through logic, one
step at a time.
Like the steps of a ladder,
you want to move your
reader to believe you.

5. Comparison between good and bad

Let's look at two examples of arguments.
1. Regular exercise is part and parcel of a healthy
lifestyle. Thus, if you do not exercise much, you
run a higher risk of contracting diseases.
2. Doing gymnastics in schools results in thousands
of injuries to students a year. PE teachers need to
be trained better in order to reduce the risk of
injury to students as a result of doing gymnastics.
Q: Which is more convincing? Why?

6. Poor logic stumbles
Some 'ladder steps' are missing, preventing your
reader to reach the conclusion you want.
Doing gymnastics in schools results in thousands
of injuries to students a year. PE teachers need
to be trained better in order to reduce the risk
of injury to students as a result of doing
gymnastics.
We know that the logic is missing when you can
still add extra reasons without stating the
obvious.

7. Good logic supports
1. Gymnastics is a high-contact sport. It also requires a
high level of physical fitness and strength. As such, it
attracts its fair share of injuries every year,
numbering in the thousands.
2. To reduce the risk of injury, students need to pass
a thorough medical examination and physical test
before being allowed to the sport. Rules of play have
to be thoroughly explained.
3. PE teachers can also be trained to provide special
guidance to this sport, and to have the authority to
ban any student from it if they repeatedly flout the
rules.

8. No need to state the obvious

We need not state every reason to form an
argument. Sometimes, we can totally assume
reader's knowledge without providing reasons:
If you don't work hard and smart, you will have
diffiulty passing your examinations.
Even if you are smart and work hard, you will still
need other people in your team to ensure your
project succeeds.

Q: Why are some reasons not necessary?

9. A good writer thinks logically


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When you build your logic, you are thinking
critically about your points.
If you are lacking in logical reasoning, you need
to improve your general knowledge.
If you are lacking in convincing power, you need
to build more logic into your arguments.

10. Learning Activity
Provide reasons of your own to support the
argument.
Bringing mobile phones to schools are a sure-fire
way to disrupt classroom harmony. Students will
be consumed with their gadgets and lose focus
in class. Therefore, mobile phones should be
banned in schools

11. Learning Acitivity Suggested Answers
Allowing mobile phone in schools will likely result in
disruption to classroom learning with its constant
connection to the internet. Students might be
disturbed by its vibrations even when it's
silenced. Some students might argue that they
will switch them off. This would mean then they
have little reason to bring it to school in the first
place. It will also become another target for
thiefs looking for an easy loot. Therefore, mobile
phones should be banned in schools.

12. Discussion

What is logic?

What happens when there's missing logic?

How do we avoid making this mistake?

13. In Summary
Logic is used to build our reasons one step at a
time.
Missing Logic will cause our arguments to be less
convincing.
We can avoid making this mistake by thinking
hard whether there's any more reason we can
use without stating the obvious.