The three broad types of argument are syllogism, induction and analogy. In a syllogism, a conclusion necessarily follows from granted premises; induction generalizes from particulars, and analogy reasons from one particular to another.
A syllogism may be exceptional or conjunctive. Categorical conjunctive syllogisms require identifying the minor and major premises, minor and major terms, and middle term. The middle term's location determines the four figures.
The next lesson studies the first figure in detail, including its conditions for valid inference and productive moods.