1. Evaluating Arguments Why study this? Standard ELACC9RI8 Delineate and evaluate an arguement

2. An argument presents logical reasons and evidence to support a viewpoint

3. EVALUATING ARGUMENTS A critical thinker can look at an argument decide whether the support is solid or not.

4. What is Snoopy’s argument in the cartoon above? In other words, what is his claim?What is Snoopy’s argument in the cartoon above? In other words, what is his claim? What is his support for his point?What is his support for his point? Is this point valid?

5. The Three Types of Claims 1. CLAIM OF FACT - statement that can be proven or verified by observation or research “Within ten years, destruction of rain forests will cause hundreds of plant and animal species to become extinct.”

6. Types of Claims 2. CLAIM OF VALUE - states that one thing or idea is better or more desirable than another. “Requiring community service in high school will produce more community-aware graduates.”

7. Types of Claims 3. CLAIM OF POLICY - suggests what should or ought to be done to solve a problem. “To reduce school violence, more gun and metal detectors should be installed in public schools.”

8. For each statement pick “V” for valid or “NV” for not valid: “In today’s world it is necessary that people learn to read, write and complete basic math.” “Divorce rates have skyrocketed within the last decade because two out of three marriages end in divorce in the U.S. today.” “Basic TB channels show the worst shows because they are boring.”

9. Types of Support REASON - a general statement that supports a claim. EVIDENCE - consists of facts, statistics, experiences, comparisons, and examples that show why the claim is valid. EMOTIONAL APPEALS - ideas that are targeted toward needs or values that readers are likely to care about.

10. Inductive and Deductive Arguments INDUCTIVE - reaches a general conclusion from observed specifics. “By observing the performance of a large number of athletes, you could conclude that athletes possess physical stamina.”

11. Inductive and Deductive Arguments DEDUCTIVE - begins with a major premise and moves toward a more specific statement or minor premise. “Athletes possess physical stamina. Because Anthony is an athlete, he must possess physical stamina.”

12. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Evaluate Types of Evidence - Is it sufficient to support the claim? Personal Experience - may be biased, so do not accept it Examples - should not be used by themselves

13. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Statistics - can be misused, manipulated or misinterpreted. Comparisons and Analogies - reliability depends on how closely they correspond to the situation. Relevancy and Sufficiency of Evidence - is there enough of the right kind to support the claim?

14. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Definition of Terms - should be carefully defined and used consistently Cause-Effect Relationships - evidence that the relationship exists should be present Implied or Stated Value System - are they consistent with your personal value system?

15. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Recognizing and Refuting Opposing Viewpoints Question the accuracy, relevancy or sufficiency of the opponent’s evidence. Does the author address opposing viewpoints clearly and fairly? Does the author refute the opposing viewpoint with logic and relevant evidence?

16. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Unfair Emotional Appeals Emotionally Charged or Biased Language False Authority athletes endorsing underwear movie stars selling shampoo Association a car being named a Cougar to remind you of a sleek animal a cigarette advertisement featuring a scenic waterfall

17. Strategies for Evaluating Arguments Unfair Emotional Appeals Appeal to “Common Folk” an ad showing a product being used in an average household a politician suggesting he is like everyone else Ad Hominem - attack on the person rather than his/her viewpoint “Join the Crowd” Appeal or Bandwagon

18. What emotional appeal is being used? Come early so you won’t have to stand in line – because everyone knows you can make a deal with Dave and save. As a test pilot, Susan Gibbs knows performance. “That’s why I drive a Mustang,” she says. Olson’s pizzas are lower in fat and calories. Other pizza makers don’t care about your health.

19. Emotional appeals continued… “We can work magic with your children,” says Eileen of Eileen’s Day Care. “Call upon us, and your children will be happy you did.” Liberty Bell Airlines flies anywhere in this great land, from sea to shining sea. As a young man, Candidate Alan Wilson learned what it means to work hard by spending long hours lifting boxes and sweeping floors working in a department store.

20. Errors in Logical Reasoning commonly called logical fallacies invalidate the argument or render argument flawed Circular Reasoning/Begging the Question “Female police officers should not be sent to crime scenes because apprehending criminals is a man’s job.” Hasty Generalization - conclusion derived from insufficient evidence “Because one apple is sour, all of them in the bowl must be sour.”

21. Errors in Logical Reasoning Non Sequitur (“It Does Not Follow”) “Because my doctor is young, I’m sure she’ll be a good doctor.” False Cause “Because I opened the umbrella when I tripped on the sidewalk, the umbrella must have caused me to trip.” Either-Or Fallacy “Because of the violence, TV must be either allowed or banned.”