TEN STEPS to IMPROVING COLLEGE READING SKILLS This presentation should be viewed in “Slide Show” view to display properly. [Mac: Go to “Slide Show” pulldown menu and click on “Play from Start.”] [PC: Go to “Slide Show” tab and click on “From beginning.”] Use the tab key, space bar, arrow keys, or page up/down to move through the slides. These slides are optimized for PowerPoint versions 12 (2007/2008) and 14 (2010/2011). If viewed in earlier versions of PowerPoint, some slides may not display properly.

TEN STEPS to IMPROVING COLLEGE READING SKILLS SIXTH EDITION TEN STEPS to IMPROVING COLLEGE READING SKILLS John Langan © 2014 Townsend Press

9 Argument

CHAPTER 9 Argument ©The New Yorker Collection 1986 Bernard Schoenbaum from cartoonbank.com. All Rights Reserved. See page 363 in textbook. In a good argument (such as the one that appears to be going on in the above cartoon), the other person listens carefully as we state our case, waiting to see if we really have solid evidence to support our point of view.

Argumentation is a part of our everyday dealings with other people. CHAPTER 9 Argument Argumentation is a part of our everyday dealings with other people. It is also an important part of much of what we read. Authors often try to convince us of their opinions and interpretations. See page 364 in textbook.

CHAPTER 9 Argument Very often the most important things we must do as critical readers are 1 Recognize the point the author is making. 2 Decide if the author’s support is relevant. See page 364 in textbook. 3 Decide if the author’s support is adequate.

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support A good argument is one in which you make a point Point and then provide persuasive and logical evidence to back it up. Evidence Evidence Evidence See page 364 in textbook. A Good Argument

Point: The Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support Here is a point. Point: The Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant. This statement hardly discourages us from visiting the Beef and Burger Shop. But suppose the it is followed by these reasons: See page 364 in textbook.

1 2 3 Point: The Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support Point: The Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant. 1 The burgers are full of gristle. 2 The roast beef sandwiches have a chemical taste. 3 The fries are lukewarm and soggy. See page 364 in textbook. Clearly, these details provide solid support for the point. In light of these details, our mouths are not watering for lunch at the Beef and Burger Shop.

CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support Clear thinking in an argument means: making a point and providing support that truly backs up that point. A valid argument may also be described as a conclusion supported by logical reasons, facts, examples, and other evidence. See page 364 in textbook.

1 2 3 Here is another example. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support Here is another example. Point: There are certain creatures in particular that you would never want to bite you. 1 A bite from the venomous king cobra can cause muscle paralysis and lead to respiratory failure in a matter of minutes. 2 A lion’s bite is powerful enough to rip off your arm or take large chunks out of your body. 3 A crocodile’s jaws will snap closed like a steel trap, and if the crocodile then decides to roll, you can usually say goodbye to your arm, leg, or whatever is in its mouth. See pages 364–365 in textbook. With such solid support, you’re likely to agree that the king cobra, lion, and crocodile are especially scary biters and that a logical point has been made.

The Point and Support of an Argument CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support The Point and Support of an Argument To evaluate an argument . . . Point . . . you need to recognize its point and support. Support: Facts Support: Examples Support: Reasons See page 365 in textbook. Valid Argument

CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument To see if a sentence is a statement of support, try inserting the word because in front of it. If the statement sounds right, it is probably a statement of support. For example, we could say, “Because the burgers are full of gristle, because the roast beef sandwiches have a chemical taste, and because the fries are lukewarm and soggy, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant.” See page 365 in textbook.

CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument Support For example, we could say, “Because the burgers are full of gristle, because the roast beef sandwiches have a chemical taste, and because the fries are lukewarm and soggy, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Beef and Burger Shop is a poor fast-food restaurant.” See page 365 in textbook. Point

A. You have constant headaches and blurred vision. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument In the pair of statements below, one statement is the point, and the other is support for that point. Which is the point? Which is the support? A. You have constant headaches and blurred vision. B. You should see a doctor. See page 365 in textbook. Answer: B is the point. The next slides show and explain the answer.

A. You have constant headaches and blurred vision. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument Support A. You have constant headaches and blurred vision. B. You should see a doctor. Point See page 365 in textbook. You should see a doctor because you have constant headaches and blurred vision.

A. A television is always blaring in one corner of the lounge. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument In the three statements below, one statement is the point, and the other two are support for that point. Which is which? A. A television is always blaring in one corner of the lounge. B. The student lounge is not a place for quiet study. C. There are always people there talking loudly to each other. See page 365 in textbook. Answer: B is the point. The next slides show and explain the answer.

A. A television is always blaring in one corner of the lounge. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument A. A television is always blaring in one corner of the lounge. Support Point B. The student lounge is not a place for quiet study. C. There are always people there talking loudly to each other. Support See page 365 in textbook. Statements A and C give reasons the lounge is not a place for quiet study.

A. The people upstairs make a lot of noise. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument In the four statements below, one statement is the point, and the other three are support for that point. Which is which? A. The people upstairs make a lot of noise. B. We’d better look for another apartment. C. Roaches seem to be taking over this apartment. D. The landlord does nothing but promise to fix the leaky faucets. See page 366 in textbook. Answer: B is the point. The next slides show and explain the answer.

A. The people upstairs make a lot of noise. CHAPTER 9 Argument The Basics of Argument: Point and Support / The Point and Supprt of an Argument In the four statements below, one statement is the point, and the other three are support for that point. Which is which? Support A. The people upstairs make a lot of noise. Point B. We’d better look for another apartment. Support C. Roaches seem to be taking over this apartment. Support D. The landlord does nothing but promise to fix the leaky faucets. See page 366 in textbook. Noise, roaches, and an unresponsive landlord are three reasons that support the point—that it’s time to look for another apartment.

Point & Support A. You have constant headaches and blurred vision B. You should see a doctor

A. A number of traffic accidents have occurred at that intersection. B. A traffic light is needed at that intersection.

A. A television is always blaring in one corner of the lounge. B. The student lounge is not a place for quiet study. C. There are always people there talking loudly to each other.

A. High schools need to teach personal finance skills. B. Many young people do not know how to budget their money. C. More and more people are getting into serious credit-card debt.

A. Cats refuse to learn silly tricks just to amuse people. B. Cats are more sensible than dogs. C. Dogs will accept cruel mistreatment, but if a cat is mistreated it will run away.

A. Scientists have proved that acid rain harms trees and bodies of water. B. Laws should be passed to reduce acid rain. C. The damage done by acid rain is hard or impossible to undo.

A. Fewer companies are offering health plans and retirement benefits. B. Conditions in the workplace are tougher than they used to be. C. In many industries, workers have had to take wage cuts.

A. The people upstairs make a lot of noise. B. We’d better look for a different apartment. C. Roaches seem to be taking over this apartment. D. The landlord does nothing but promise to fix the leaky faucet.

A. Almost half of the stores in the shopping center are empty. B. A deathly hush fills the building. C. That shopping center is a depressing place. D. Unhappy-looking store owners stare out at the few passing shoppers.

A. The stimulant effects of a daily cup of coffee have been proved to reduce suicide rates. B. Coffee flushes from the bloodstream the excess fat that clogs arteries. C. Coffee supplies a large dose of antioxidants, chemicals which prevent the formation of tumors. D. Even though coffee can make you jittery and interfere with sleep, there are real health benefits to drinking coffee.

Support that really applies to the point CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Once you identify the point and support of an argument, you need to decide if each piece of evidence is relevant—in other words, if it really applies to the point. Relevant Support Support that really applies to the point See page 367 in textbook. is

CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support In their enthusiasm for making an argument, people often bring up irrelevant support. For example, trying to persuade you to lend him some money this week, a friend might say, “You didn’t lend me money last week when I needed it.” Point: You should lend me money this week. Support: You didn’t lend me money last week when I needed it. Not Relevant See page 367 in textbook. Problem: Last week is beside the point; the question is whether or not you should lend him money this week.

Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Which of the statements below is relevant support for this point about Otis not being very bright? Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. A. He cries when I leave for work every day. B. He’s five years old and doesn’t respond to his name yet. See page 367 in textbook. Answer: B The next slides show and explain the answer.

Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. A. He cries when I leave for work every day. B. He’s five years old and doesn’t respond to his name yet. See page 367 in textbook. Most dogs know their names, so Otis’s unfamiliarity with his own name reveals a weak memory, and memory is one aspect of intelligence.

Not Relevant Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. A. He cries when I leave for work every day. Not Relevant Even an intelligent dog might be sad when its companions leave the house. B. He’s five years old and doesn’t respond to his name yet. See page 367 in textbook.

Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Which of the statements below is relevant support for this point about Otis not being very bright? Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. C. He often attacks the backyard hedge as if it’s a hostile animal. See pages 367–368 in textbook. Answer: C The next slides show and explain the answer. D. He always gets excited when visitors arrive.

Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. C. He often attacks the backyard hedge as if it’s a hostile animal. The inability to distinguish between a bush and an animal—friendly or hostile—suggests a lack of analytical skills. See pages 367–368 in textbook. D. He always gets excited when visitors arrive.

Not Relevant Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Point: My dog Otis is not very bright. C. He often attacks the backyard hedge as if it’s a hostile animal. See pages 367–368 in textbook. D. He always gets excited when visitors arrive. Not Relevant Both bright and not-so-bright dogs are happy to see old and new human friends.

Relevant Support The statements CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support The statements about Otis not knowing his name and attacking the hedge… Otis is not very bright. …offer support that really applies to the point that Otis is not very bright. know his name Otis doesn’t Otis attacks the hedge See pages 367–368 in textbook. Relevant Support

Support That Is Not Relevant CHAPTER 9 Argument Otis is not very bright. Relevant Support The statements that Otis is sad when people leave and excited when visitors arrive… …do not support the point that Otis is not very bright. Otis excited when visitors arrive Otis sad when people leave Otis is not very bright. See pages 367–368 in textbook. Support That Is Not Relevant

Practice 2 – p. 368 Read the point and find the 3 items that ILLOGICALLY support the point.

Practice 2 Answers 1. A, C, F 2. C, E, F 3. A, C, F 4. B, D, E

Relevant Support in Paragraphs CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Relevant Support in Paragraphs In the paragraph below, the main idea is stated in the first sentence. One of the other sentences is not relevant support for that point. (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. See pages 369–370 in textbook.

CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. See page 370 in textbook.

CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support Read the paragraph and see if you can find the statement that does not support the point of the argument. (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. See page 370 in textbook. Answer: Sentence 2 The next slides show and explain the answer.

The point of this argument is stated in the first sentence. CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. Point See page 370 in textbook. The point of this argument is stated in the first sentence.

CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. Point Relevant support See page 370 in textbook. Sentences 3–6 support that argument: Sentences 5–6 tell the benefits of parenting classes. Sentences 3–4 explain why students need those benefits.

CHAPTER 9 Argument Relevant Support (1)Every high-school student should be required to take a class in parenting skills. (2)The absence of such classes shows how little our schools do for young people. (3)Numerous young people today are bearing children without having the least idea of how to be a good parent. (4)Many of them have grown up in families where poor parenting was the norm, and so they have no good parenting models. (5)Well-planned parenting classes could give future parents at least an idea of what responsible parenting is all about. (6)The classes might then reduce future problems, including child abuse. Point Not relevant Relevant support See page 370 in textbook. Sentence 2, however, is about something else altogether—it complains about how little is being done for young people by schools. Whether that is true or not doesn’t change the point and support of the argument.

(1) Nobody in this neighborhood will miss the Martins when they move (1) Nobody in this neighborhood will miss the Martins when they move. (2) They keep their poor dog chained to a tree 24 hours a day, and it howls for most of that time. (3) When the neighborhood kids play ball anywhere near their house, Mr. Martin yells at them, “Don’t you dare hit that ball into my yard!” (4) Of course, he has had a lot of illness, so you can understand his being short-tempered. (5) In addition, the Martins refuse to come to any neighborhood block parties, and then they complain about the noise. (6) And they mow their lawn at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning, when other people are trying to get a little extra sleep. Which sentence does NOT support the author’s argument that no one will miss the Martins when they move?

(1) National health insurance is entirely possible, as many industrialized countries have proven. (2) The National Health Service in Great Britain provides free health care to all citizens. (3) The Health Service is almost completely tax-supported. (4) That doesn’t help the immigrants living in Britain, however. (5) In Sweden, medical care is provided by publicly funded hospitals and clinics. (6) A national health insurance system reimburses the providers. (7) Canadians rely on private physicians and hospitals for day-to-day care, but health care is guaranteed as a right for all citizens. (8) Income taxes are used to finance Canada’s public medical insurance. Which sentence does not support the argument that providing national health insurance is entirely possible?

(1) Short-term goals encourage self-discipline better than distant aims. (2) For instance, dieters lose more weight by attempting to shed two pounds a week than by worrying about a total of 20 pounds or more. (3) Low-fat diets are another help for dieters. (4) Also, students who try to increase study time by a half hour each day do better than those who think only about compiling straight A averages. (5) And alcoholics and drug addicts achieve more lasting recovery when they deal with their problems one day at a time. Which sentence is not relevant support for the argument that short-term goals are better for will power than long-term goals?

(1) The wish for acceptance by the dominant culture sometimes causes people to turn their backs on their own cultural tradition. (2) In Australia, Aborigines who have become part of the dominant society may refuse to acknowledge their darker-skinned grandparents on the street. (3) In India, the well-off Indians who dominate the culture copy the traditions and prejudices of the British, leaving many Hindus unhappy about their behavior. (4) India won its independence from Britain after Mahatma Gandhi led a campaign of peaceful resistance. (5) And in the United States, many descendants of immigrants have changed their ethnic-sounding family names to names like those of white Protestants. (6) Also, children of U.S. immigrants are sometimes ashamed to let their school friends see that their parents speak another language. Which sentence is not relevant support for the argument that people at times turn their backs on their own cultural traditions?

Support substantial enough to prove the point CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support A valid argument must include not only relevant support but also an adequate amount of support—enough to prove the point Adequate Support Support substantial enough to prove the point See page 372 in textbook. is

Point: Abortion is wrong. CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Point: Abortion is wrong. Support: My sister had an abortion and has regretted it ever since. Not Adequate See page 372 in textbook. It would not be valid to argue “Abortion is wrong” if this were one’s only support. Such an important issue would require more support than the attitude and experience of a single relative.

Read these three supporting reasons. Support: CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Read these three supporting reasons. Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. See pages 372–373 in textbook.

Which point do the above reasons adequately support? CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. Which point do the above reasons adequately support? A. That beach is unsafe and should be closed. B. I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. See pages 372–373 in textbook. Answer: B The next slides show and explain the answer. C. Beaches are not safe places. D. We’re never going to get this planet cleaned up.

Not Adequately Supported CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. Which point do the above reasons adequately support? Not Adequately Supported A. That beach is unsafe and should be closed. B. I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. See pages 372–373 in textbook. C. Beaches are not safe places. D. We’re never going to get this planet cleaned up. Answer A is not adequately supported by three isolated instances; we’d need many more reports of dangerous conditions before considering having the beach closed.

Not Adequately Supported Not Adequately Supported CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. Which point do the above reasons adequately support? Not Adequately Supported A. That beach is unsafe and should be closed. B. I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. See pages 372–373 in textbook. Not Adequately Supported C. Beaches are not safe places. D. We’re never going to get this planet cleaned up. Answer C is even more poorly supported. We’d need many, many reports of dangerous conditions at beaches worldwide to come to this conclusion.

Which point do the above reasons adequately support? CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. Which point do the above reasons adequately support? Not Adequately Supported A. That beach is unsafe and should be closed. B. I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. See pages 372–373 in textbook. Not Adequately Supported C. Beaches are not safe places. Not Adequately Supported D. We’re never going to get this planet cleaned up. Answer D is supported in part by the reference to pollution in the second statement of support, but the statements about sunburn and the starfish are not examples of pollution.

Which point do the above reasons adequately support? CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Support: The first time I went to that beach, I got a bad case of sunburn. The second time I went to that beach, I couldn’t go in the water because of the pollution. The third time I went to that beach, I stepped on a starfish and had to go to the emergency room to have the spikes removed from my foot. Which point do the above reasons adequately support? B. I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. See pages 372–373 in textbook. Answer B is adequately supported by the three statements. They describe three bad experiences the speaker had at a particular beach.

I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support A valid argument… I’ve had a string of bad experiences at that beach. …must have support that is substantial enough to prove the point. Injured by starfish spikes Bad case of sunburn Water polluted See pages 372–373 in textbook. Adequate Support

Support That Is Not Adequate CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support Beaches are not safe places. If the evidence… …is insufficient to support the argument… Bad case of sunburn Water polluted Injured by starfish spikes See pages 372–373 in textbook. Support That Is Not Adequate

Support That Is Not Adequate CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support …the point will not stand. Beaches are not safe places. Bad case of sunburn Water polluted Injured by starfish spikes See pages 372–373 in textbook. Support That Is Not Adequate

Support That Is Not Adequate CHAPTER 9 Argument Adequate Support …the point will not stand. Beaches are not Beaches are not safe places. safe places. The argument is not valid. Water polluted See pages 372–373 in textbook. Support That Is Not Adequate

Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? Many credit cards do not carry an annual fee. Some cards give you cash back, frequent-flyer miles, or other benefits. Some credit cards charge a lower rate of interest than others. Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? A. When used wisely, credit cards can be helpful. B. Credit cards charge high interest rates on unpaid balances. C. You need to shop around for the right credit card. D. Many people get into trouble by overusing credit cards.

Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? Some people put off writing or calling a friend because they feel they do not have time to do it right, but a quick note or call is often better than nothing. Sometimes it makes sense to do a routine chore quickly rather than perfectly in order to save time for something more important. Even a desk and office need not be perfectly neat; sometimes cleaning them up is just an excuse for putting off more important work. Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? A. Perfection is not always a worthy goal. B. Striving for perfection always pays off in the end. C. You can be better organized if you plan each day more carefully. D. Getting things done haphazardly is always better than not getting them done at all.

Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? Some thieves who are sent to jail steal again as soon as they are released. A dog that has been hit for eating food off the table will often continue to gobble what it can find when the owner is not around. A teenage girl who is “grounded” because she sneaked out of the house may try to come up with a more creative plan to get out without being caught. Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? A. Many studies have found advantages and problems with punishment. B. Punishment does not always have the intended effect. C. Punishment is rarely effective. D. Punishment can be effective in some cases.

Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? Elderly nursing-home patients who have little control over their activities tend to decline faster and die sooner than do those given more control over their activities. If 2 rats receive simultaneous shocks, but only one of them can turn a wheel to stop the shocks, the helpless rat becomes more vulnerable to ulcers and has lower immunity to disease. When allowed to adjust office furnishings and control interruptions and distractions, workers experience less stress and illness. Which point is adequately supported by all the evidence above? A. It is possible to gain full control over our lives. B. Many negative life events are uncontrollable. C. Loss of control is a major problem in our society. D. A loss of control is stressful and makes one more vulnerable to ill health.

Argument in Textbook Writing CHAPTER 9 Argument Argument in Textbook Writing In most textbook writing, argument takes the form of well-developed ideas or theories. See page 375 in textbook.

Well-developed ideas or theories CHAPTER 9 Argument Argument in Textbook Writing Well-developed ideas or theories Argument: See page 375 in textbook.

Well-developed ideas or theories CHAPTER 9 Argument Argument in Textbook Writing Well-developed ideas or theories Argument: Support for the argument takes the form of… Experiments Surveys Studies Expert Testimony Reasons Examples Other Evidence See page 375 in textbook.

Well-developed ideas or theories CHAPTER 9 Argument Argument in Textbook Writing Well-developed ideas or theories Argument: Experiments Surveys Studies Support: Expert Testimony Reasons Examples Other Evidence See page 375 in textbook. Relevant? Adequate? Recognizing the author’s points and asking yourself whether the support is relevant and adequate will help you be an involved and critical reader.

Practice Mastery Test 3 – p. 391-392 Mastery Test 4 – p. 393-394

Mastery Test 3 Answers 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. D 5. B

Mastery Test 4 Answers 1-3: A, C, F 4-6: C, D, F 7-9: A, C, E 10. D

Review Mastery Test 5 – p. 395-396 Mastery Test 6 – p. 397-398

Mastery Test 5 Answers 1-3: A, D, F 4-6: B, C, F 7. B 8. B 9. A 10. C

Mastery Test 6 Answers: 1-3: B, E, F 4-6: B, C, F 7. C 8. D 9. D 10. B

CHAPTER 9 Argument See page 376 in textbook.