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

Reading and Evaluating Arguments

The critical reader must be able to evaluate arguments.

• The critical reader must be able to evaluate arguments.
• When you evaluate an argument (a set of claims), you determine its value or persuasiveness.
• To be able to do a good job evaluating arguments, you need to know what an argument is and how an argument is put together.

An argument is a claim that is supported by reasons or evidence.

• An argument is a claim that is supported by reasons or evidence.
• When an author tries to persuade the reader that something is true or correct by presenting supporting reasons or evidence, an argument is being made.

 

• This means that an argument is different from a statement.

An argument presents logical reasons
and evidence to support a viewpoint

Parts of an Argument

• ISSUE - problem or controversy about which people disagree
• CLAIM - the position on the issue
• SUPPORT - reasons and evidence that the claim is reasonable and should be accepted
• REFUTATION - opposing viewpoints

Persuasion

• The author is trying to convince the reader that a claim is true by giving supporting reasons or evidence.

The Claim

• The claim of an argument

is the point of the argument.

• When an author makes an argument, it’s the claim that the author is trying to persuade the reader to accept as true.

Types of Claims

• CLAIM OF FACT - statement that can be proven or verified by observation or research
• “Within ten years, destruction of rain forests will cause hundreds of plant and animal species to become extinct.”

Types of Claims

• CLAIM OF VALUE - states that one thing or idea is better or more desirable than another.
• “Requiring community service in high school will produce more community-aware graduates.”