What are logical conclusions?

Logical conclusions are valid or true conclusions. They are based on careful and conscious thought. They are made by using facts and rules. They are free of slanted thinking, biased thinking, and faulty thinking.

Writers may use slanted expressions, biased expressions, or faulty expressions consciously or unconsciously. If a writer uses these on purpose, they are attempting to persuade a reader that their argument is logical when it is not. Slanted arguments are one-sided arguments. Writers present one side of a problem. A writer might present mostly negative facts or they might present mostly positive facts. Always ask yourself if the writer has left out facts and details, and what is their purpose for writing.

Biased writing is similar to slanted writing. Neither gives a full and objective account of the facts and details. Biased writing contains more of the writer’s opinions rather than facts and details. Biased and slanted writing may be found anywhere. Letters to the editor, editorials, and advertisements commonly have slanted or biased writing. It is important to know who and why a person wrote the article or book you are reading.

Writers appeal to the reader’s emotions by using words that have two meanings. These words have a basic meaning, and they have an emotional meaning. For example, the word ‘purebred’ refers to a horse. However, it does more than express this basic meaning. It gives the reader the sense or feeling that the horse is more valuable or important than other horses. It has a positive connotation. Words, such as ‘slave’, may also have negative connotative meanings. Be aware of the emotions you and others have when you hear words.