Transforming Sentences

Worksheet Description

The worksheet titled “Enthymeme” is crafted to enhance students’ understanding of rhetorical arguments by converting enthymemes into full syllogisms. A dedicated space at the top allows students to write their names, personalizing their work. The worksheet’s main activity involves four statements that students must expand into complete logical syllogisms, providing the typically unstated premises that make enthymemes implicitly valid.

The directions are succinct, prompting students to rework each given enthymeme—a statement with an implicit assumption—into a syllogism, which is a form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises). The examples range from statements about personal enjoyment and fitness to assertions about technology and film success. Students are encouraged to think critically about the underlying premises that support the conclusions in the enthymemes. This exercise not only reinforces their grasp of logical structures but also aids in the development of critical thinking skills necessary for deconstructing and evaluating arguments. By completing this worksheet, students will become more adept at recognizing the components of arguments and the importance of clear reasoning in effective communication.