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

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

3. Logical appeals include reasons and evidence. Evaluating an Argument 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

4. Emotional appeals play on readers’ emotions rather than their reason. Emotional appeals include Evaluating an Argument loaded words (words with strong emotional connotations)loaded words 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. anecdotes (brief stories)anecdotes

5. Evaluate the evidence. A good argument must be backed up by solid evidence. As you read, ask yourself: Evaluating an Argument 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?

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

7. Create a chart. Identify an argument’s strengths and weaknesses. Evaluating an Argument Evaluating an Author’s Argument Claim or Opinion: Logical Appeals Reason 1: Evidence: Reason 2: Evidence: Emotional Appeals Loaded Words:Anecdotes: Tone: [End of Section]

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9. 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.

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

11. Ancedotes personalize an issue and often put a human face on cold facts. Evaluating an Argument 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.

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

13. Intent is the purpose for writing. Evaluating an Argument 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?