RI08 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
Define key words in standard Delineate describe something precisely Sound reliable, or holding acceptable views Sufficient enough; adequate
Relevant closely connected with or relevant to something Irrelevant not connected with or relevant to something
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.
How would you explain (paraphrase the standard) this standard to another student?
Parts of an Argument ISSUE - problem or controversy about which people disagree Ex: Athletes’ salaries
CLAIM - the position on the issue Ex: Athletes are overpaid.
SUPPORT - reasons that the claim is reasonable and should be accepted Ex: We value entertainment more than health and safety.
4. EVIDENCE – consists of facts, statistics, experiences, comparisons, and examples that show why the claim is valid (ethos, pathos, and logos). Ex: Average annual salary of nurses is $70,000 compared to $2 -$5 million annual salary of athletes.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos Ethos: an appeal to the writer’s credibility Pathos: an appeal to emotions Logos: an appeal to logical reasoning
5. Counterargument– a viewpoint that opposes the main argument Ex: Careers of athletes are short which means a smaller window of time to earn money.
6. Rebuttal—a refutation or disapproval of the counterargument Ex: Many former pros can go on to lucrative jobs like coaches, sports commentators, or public speakers.