Each homework is worth a maximum of 4 points. 2 points for a correct answer, and either zero (minimal or no explanation), 1 (illogical or incomplete explanation) or 2 (logical, clear explanation) points for your explanation.
When writing your explanation, discuss the correct answer first. Then discuss each incorrect answer.
When discussing the correct answer, first state what the argument is. Then discuss how the content of the answer choice relates to the argument. You need to understand the argument before you can answer the question.
When discussing the incorrect answers, you do not need to restate the argument, but you do need to refer to it in explaining why the answer choice is wrong.
Explanations should contain more than simply a conclusory statement about the answer choice. You must explain why it is right or wrong in relation to the original argument.
You don't have to copy the question. It's OK to print it out off the computer or copy-and-paste it into your word processor, but don't waste time writing it by hand or typing it yourself.
Read the sample explanations for the questions we discussed in class, which are here on the blog, to get an idea of what your explanation should contain.
Most of the time, if it doesn't matter whether the answer choice is true or not, it's probably the wrong answer. But you need to understand what the argument is before you can determine this. And, don't forget, you need to read the question stem first so you know what kind of question it is.
Make sure your name is on the homework and it is labeled at the top, "Homework #_".
Remember that in the stimulus, the author is always trying to convince you of something. Distinguish the subject matter from the argument.
