Tracing and Evaluating Arguments Identifying and exploring how an argument is made in an essay, speech, or other text. essay

What is an Argument? Defintion: –A position or viewpoint along with the claims and evidence used to support that position. Your job as a reader is to decide whether the author’s argument is strong or weak. When would this skill come in handy in the real world?

Topic Definition: –What the argument is mainly about. Examples: Death penalty School Uniforms Gun Control School start

Position or Viewpoint Definition: –The central idea the author is trying to support in his/her argument. Examples: For or against the death penalty? For or against school uniforms? For or against gun control? Start school earlier or later in the day?

Claim Definition: A statement that supports a position. Examples: If school started later, kids would get more sleep. Controlling guns would keep guns away from criminals. School uniforms would improve student behavior.

Evidence Support of a claim: –Research findings –Facts –Statistics (a.k.a. Stats) –Experts in the area. …to show why the claim is believable. Example: - A 2012 study by the National Sleep Institute found that 47% of kids aren’t getting enough sleep.

Evidence must be: Relevant: –directly relate to the argument. Credible/reliable: –come from experts in the field. Objective: –based on fact (leave out “I feel” or “I believe.”).

Counterargument (rebuttal) Definition: –The opposing viewpoint –An argument against someone’s position or viewpoint. Examples: Starting school later won’t help kids get more sleep because kids will just stay up later at night.

Persuasive techniques: Mentions research that has been done. Appeals to the reader’s emotions (emotional appeal). Bandwagon technique (believe something because everyone else is doing it). Quotes experts Includes data/statistics. Gives real-world examples.

Evaluating Arguments: A Checklist When evaluating the strength of an argument, ask yourself these questions: Does the author support his/her claims with credible, relevant, and objective evidence? Are facts and statistics used? If so, are they used properly? Does the author rely on facts and information rather than personal opinions? Does the author avoid biased or emotionally-charged language? Is the argument well-reasoned – that is, does it make logical sense? Does the author refute (prove false) opposing viewpoints with logical and relevant evidence? If the answers are mostly YES, it’s a strong argument. If the answers are mostly NO, it’s a weak argument.