Trace and Evaluate an Argument

Why is it essential to consider the source of evidence when evaluating an argument?

• To assess the credibility, bias, and reliability of the information.

• To confuse the audience

• To make the argument more complex

• To ignore any potential biases in the argument

Provide an example of a strong argument with solid evidence and reasoning.

• Using emotional manipulation without any factual basis

• Relying solely on personal anecdotes without external sources

• Making sweeping generalizations without specific examples or data

• Presenting factual data, expert opinions, and logical reasoning to support a claim.

How can you identify weak points in an argument during evaluation?

• Check the alignment of the text in the argument

• Evaluate the font size used in the argument

• Analyze the premises, conclusions, evidence, and reasoning presented in the argument.

• Count the number of words in the argument

Discuss the significance of counterarguments in evaluating the validity of claims.

• Counterarguments are significant as they offer alternative viewpoints, expose weaknesses, and encourage critical thinking.

• Counterarguments always strengthen the original claim

• Counterarguments limit critical thinking

• Counterarguments are irrelevant distractions

The author’s argument can be traced and ________________.

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this claim: Students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• Last year, at many schools that required students to wear uniforms, attendance rates went up and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online.

What is a claim?

• states what you are arguing for and about

• a debate

• something you file with insurance company

What is an argument?

• enough evidence provided

• an attempt to convince others to think or act in a certain way

• facts or supporting information that provides proof of a claim

• a statement of the author's perspective that must be proved

Is this a claim, evidence or reason?

• Claim

• Evidence

• Reason

An______refers to a writing that states a position and supports it with reasons and evidence

• Argument

• Opinion

• Claim

• Evidence