What distinguishes an argument from a non-argument?

To understand why the choice indicating that an argument includes premises that support a conclusion is correct, it's important to define what an argument is in the context of logical reasoning. An argument consists of a set of statements, where some of the statements (premises) are intended to provide support for another statement (the conclusion). The essence of an argument lies in its structure, where premises lead logically to a conclusion.

This means that when someone presents an argument, they are attempting to demonstrate the validity or plausibility of the conclusion based on the provided premises. The clarity of this relationship is what ultimately distinguishes arguments from non-arguments, which may not necessarily attempt to persuade or support a conclusion.

In contrast, other options do not capture this fundamental characteristic of an argument. Some may describe aspects of arguments but mischaracterize their essential purpose or structure. Hence, the choice that emphasizes the link between premises and conclusion is precisely what defines an argument in logical reasoning.