Reading and Evaluating Arguments The critical reader must be able to evaluate arguments

Step 2: Identify the Types of Support

• Types of support refers to the kind of evidence the author uses to back up the argument.
• Ask yourself, “What kind of support does the author present to back the argument?”
• Support can include research findings, case studies, personal experience or observation, examples, facts, comparisons, expert testimony and opinions.

Step 3: Determine the Relevance of the Support

• Relevance means the support is directly related to the argument.
• Ask yourself, “Is the support directly related to the argument?”
• Unless the author is an expert, his or her opinion or personal experience may not be particularly relevant.

Step 4: Determine the Author’s Objectivity

• The author’s argument has objectivity when the support consists of facts and other clear evidence.
• Ask yourself, “Does the author present facts and clear evidence as support?”

Step 5: Determine the Argument’s Completeness

• An argument is complete if the author presents adequate support and overcomes opposing points.
• Sometimes authors do not give enough support.
• Sometimes they leave out information that would weaken their argument. Their argument would be stronger if they presented it and countered it.

Step 6: Determine if the Argument Is Valid

• An argument is valid (has validity) if it is logical.
• Ask yourself, “Is the argument logical (well-reasoned)?”

Step 7: Decide if the Argument Is Credible

• An argument has credibility if it is believable (convincing).
• Ask yourself, “Is the author’s argument believable?”
• Validity and credibility are closely related since an argument that is not valid will not be credible.

Analyzing an Argument

• What issue is presented?
• What is the author’s argument?
• What are some author’s assumptions?
• What type of support (facts, experts’ opinions, research, observations, personal experiences, etc.) do the author/s present?
• How relevant (directly related to the issue) is the support?
• Is the argument objective and complete?
• Is the argument valid(logical) and credible (believable)?

Comparing the Arguments:

• Compare the types of evidence used.
• Which argument did you find more convincing? Why?
• What further information would be useful in assessing the issue?