“A Defense of the Jury System” Informational Text Page 370 CCRS – W.9-10.4, W.9-10.10, RI.9-10.2, RI.9-10.4, RI.9-10.6, RI.9-10.8, Ri.9-10.10, SL.9-10.1, L.9-10.2, L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6 Reading Skills – Evaluate an author’s argument and evidence

Evaluating an Argument When you read an author’s argument—a series of statements intended to convince you of something—you are like a juror in a trial. Like a juror, you analyze the evidence presented and decide whether the argument is sound.

Steps to Evaluating an Argument 1. Understand the claim, or opinion. Read through the article to make sure you understand the issue. Identify the author’s claim, or opinion—the thing the author is trying to prove. Restate the author’s opinion in your own words.

Steps to Evaluating an Argument Claim Authors often present their claims in the form of generalizations—broad statements that apply to many situations. Laws requiring cyclists to wear helmets save lives. Tutoring programs help students earn higher grades and build self-esteem.

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. What is the author’s claim?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. What is the author’s claim? Because jurors come from varied backgrounds, the jury system helps ensure that verdicts are fair.

Steps to Evaluating an Argument 2. Identify the support. To present persuasive arguments, an author must support his or her claims. Look for logical appeals emotional appeals

Evaluating an Argument Logical appeals include reasons and evidence. Reasons are statements that explain why the author holds an opinion. Evidence is the information that authors use to support their reasons. Evidence includes facts statistics (number facts) examples quotations from or opinions of experts

Evaluating an Argument Emotional appeals play on readers’ emotions rather than their reason. Emotional appeals include loaded words (words with strong emotional connotations) anecdotes (brief stories) Emotional appeals can be effective but shouldn’t be relied on too heavily. Arguments that rely heavily on emotional appeals rather than logic are usually weak.

Evaluating an Argument Loaded words are intended to persuade readers by appealing to their emotions. hero freedom greed victim reckless survivor sacrifice poison

Evaluating an Argument Anecdotes personalize an issue and often put a human face on cold facts. When my son had a seizure, the 911 operator really helped me stay calm and focused. She gave clear instructions and let me know that help was on the way.

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. The author claims that the jury system helps ensure a fair trial. What support does he present?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. What support does the author present? He explains that jurors come from varied backgrounds.

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. Does the author use logical or emotional appeals?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. Does the author use logical or emotional appeals? Logical appeals

Steps to Evaluating an Argument 3. Evaluate the evidence. A good argument must be backed up by solid evidence. As you read, ask yourself: Does the evidence directly support the author’s reasons? Does the author present sufficient evidence to back up generalizations and prove the claim? Has the author loaded the argument with emotional appeals instead of providing valid evidence?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. How effective is the author’s evidence?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. How effective is the author’s evidence? The evidence is somewhat effective. Examples would strengthen the argument.

Evaluating an Argument Identify the author’s intent. Think about why the author is making this argument. Look for bias, or prejudice, on the part of the author. Pay attention to how the author’s intent, or purpose, influences the tone of the argument.

Evaluating an Argument Bias is a prejudice toward one side of an issue. Unbiased writers carefully weigh the evidence before arriving at an opinion. Biased writers present only one side of an issue.

Evaluating an Argument Intent is the purpose for writing. Is the writer trying to inform readers about a topic or situation? Is the writer trying to persuade readers to change their minds or to take action?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. What is the author’s intent?

Evaluating an Argument Quick Check Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages, all religions, and all neighborhoods within a jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a person needs to be a juror is the ability to be fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences, rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure that a verdict will not be based on an individual’s biases or lack of understanding of particular people’s experiences. —from “A Defense of the Jury System” by Thomas M. Ross, Esq. What is the author’s intent? To convince the reader that the jury system works.

Vocabulary Vocabulary Development irrational adj.: not based on reason or logic. superficial adj.: not deep or thorough; shallow. obscure v.: conceal; cover up. advocates v.: supports; argues in favor of. conscientiously adv.: carefully and thoughtfully. affluent adj.: wealthy.

Vocabulary Vocabulary Practice Fill in the blanks with words from the Word Bank. irrational superficial obscure conscientiously 1. On rainy days, clouds _________ the mountaintop view. 2. An _________ argument is illogical. 3. Sensitive and attentive, the nurse cared for her patients _____________. 4. Someone with a _________ view of life might be called shallow. obscure irrational conscientiously superficial

Quickwrite “The Lady, or the Tiger?” describes a system of justice in which the fate of the accused is decided entirely by chance. How fair is our own system of trial by jury? Explain your answer.

Answer the Evaluating questions that appear in the text (1-3) While Reading Answer the Evaluating questions that appear in the text (1-3)

Activities Page 374 1-3 & 1-6 Page 374 Constructed Response Write in correct business letter form You must cite at least two references to the essay Page 375 1-6 Page 368 Context Clues 1-10 Choose word for blank and identify context clues Page 369 Grammar Link 1-8