Evaluating an Argument

1. Evaluating an Argument 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.

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Evaluating an Argument 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?

6. Evaluating an Argument Identify the author’s intent. Think about whythe 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.

7. Evaluating an Argument Create a chart. Identify an argument’s strengths and weaknesses. [End of Section]

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