Final answer:
The element that should be identified first when analyzing an argument is the claim.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing an argument, the element that should be identified first is the claim.
Before examining the reasons, evidence, or the author, it is important to understand the main claim or statement being made in the argument. The claim is the central assertion or position being put forward by the author, and it forms the foundation for the rest of the argument.
Once the claim has been identified, the next step is to analyze the reasons, evidence, and the author's perspective to evaluate the validity and strength of the argument.