Research Prompts
Extract Key Arguments
Identify and structure the main arguments in any article, essay, or report.
Prompt
Analyze the following [TYPE] and extract its argumentative structure. Text type: [TYPE] --- [TEXT] --- Please extract and organize: 1. **Main thesis or central claim** — one sentence that captures the author's core position. 2. **Supporting arguments** — numbered list of the distinct arguments the author uses to back the thesis. For each argument: - State the argument in one sentence - Describe the evidence or reasoning used to support it 3. **Counterarguments addressed** — does the author acknowledge opposing views? List any, and note how the author responds to them (or whether they dismiss them without engagement). 4. **Unstated assumptions** — list 2-4 premises the argument relies on that the author does not explicitly defend or acknowledge. These are things a skeptic would challenge. 5. **Logical strength** — briefly assess: are the arguments well-supported? Are there notable leaps in logic or weak links between evidence and conclusions?
How to Use
Paste any article, essay, editorial, or report into [TEXT] and specify what type of text it is in [TYPE]. This prompt is especially useful before writing a response, critique, or synthesis — it gives you a clean map of the source's reasoning before you engage with it.
Variables
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
| [TEXT] | The full text of the article, essay, opinion piece, or report you want to analyze |
| [TYPE] | The text type — e.g., "academic paper", "news article", "opinion piece", "policy report", "blog post" |
Tips
- For long texts, paste the introduction, body section headings, and conclusion — models can infer the argumentative skeleton from these without needing the full body.
- Use the "unstated assumptions" output to find the most productive angles for a written response or rebuttal.