Arguments, Assertions and Reasoning

When I first encountered the topic of arguments, assertions, and reasoning at uni, I assumed it would be straightforward—just another academic concept to memorise. But the deeper we went into it, the more I realised how central these ideas are, not only to university work but to everyday life. It completely changed the way I read, think, and even speak.

One of the first things we learned was the difference between an assertion and an argument. An assertion is simply a claim—something someone states as if it’s true. But an argument requires evidence, structure, and logical support. At first, this felt almost obvious, but once we started analysing real examples, I noticed how often people confuse the two. In lectures, we’d examine articles or debates and identify statements that looked strong on the surface but had no reasoning behind them. It was eye-opening—almost frustrating—to realise how easily unsupported claims can influence people.

What challenged me most was applying it to my own writing. I thought I was good at explaining my ideas, but when my tutors asked, “Where’s your reasoning?” or “What evidence supports this?” it forced me to rethink my entire approach. I learned that good reasoning isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about being clear, fair, and grounded.

Emotionally, this topic pushed me in both uncomfortable and empowering ways. It’s uncomfortable to recognise your own weak arguments or biases, but it’s empowering to grow past them. Over time, I started noticing improvements not just in essays but in conversations, group work, and even personal decisions.

Studying arguments and reasoning taught me that clarity is a kind of confidence. When your ideas are supported, structured, and well-reasoned, you don’t just speak—you communicate with purpose.