Rewriting Syllogism

Worksheet Description

The “Enthymeme” worksheet is an educational resource aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of rhetorical construction. It provides a space at the top for the student to write their name, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning. The title of the worksheet indicates the focus on enthymemes—a shortened form of a syllogism or logical reasoning where one premise is left unstated because it is implied.

The directions are clear and concise, instructing students to rewrite each provided syllogism as an enthymeme, specifically using the word “because” to imply causality. The exercise includes four examples that encompass various logical structures. Each example is followed by space for the student to write the enthymeme, encouraging the synthesis of information and the application of critical thinking skills. This practice helps students understand how to condense arguments and how omitted premises can be implicitly understood in everyday communication. By engaging with this exercise, students will become more adept at identifying and utilizing enthymemes in both analysis and construction of arguments, a valuable skill in academic writing and discourse.