Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author’s Argument

Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument An author’s argument is the opinion or belief that he or she wants to persuade readers to believe. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument Identify the Issue Issue means the controversial topic the author is discussing. Controversial issues on ones on which people disagree. Examples of controversial issues include the death penalty, gun control, foreign policy, and abortion. Ask yourself, “Is the author writing about a controversial issue?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Determine the Author’s Argument The author’s argument is his or her point of view on an issue. Ask yourself, “What is the author’s position on the issue?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Step 1: Identify the Author’s Assumptions An author’s assumptions consist of things the author takes for granted without presenting any proof (in other words, what the author believes or accepts as true and bases the argument on). Ask yourself, “What does the author take for granted?” If the author’s assumptions are illogical or incorrect, the entire argument will be flawed. Readers may be misled unless they identify the author’s assumptions. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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)?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

The Edge: Pointers from the Coach Don’t become overwhelmed because there are several steps in evaluating an author’s argument. Watch out for your own biases when you evaluate an author’s argument. Authors do not have to prove conclusively that their argument is correct. After all, not everything can be proved. They must, however, present an argument that is well-reasoned and well-supported. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument The Edge (continued) There are several ways author’s try to manipulate readers into buying their argument. These are called propaganda techniques. After you have read an author’s argument, go back through it. Mark the argument and each piece of support. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument © 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education