Analyzing, Evaluating, Planning An Argument Flashcards

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1
Q

Parts of a formal argument

A
  1. Claim
  2. Reasoning and Evidence
  3. Counterclaim
  4. Warrant
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2
Q

What is claim?

A

Statement of the author’s position on an issue

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3
Q

What is reasoning and evidence?

A

Facts, figures, and examples that answer the question “why should I accept this claim?”

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4
Q

What are counterclaims?

A

Discussions on opposing points of view–what is the counterclaim and why is it wrong?

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5
Q

What is warrant?

A

Values or beliefs on which a writer bases the argument’s reasoning

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6
Q

By identifying missing parts, you can identify ___ arguments

A

Weak

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7
Q

Argumentative text

A

Text that makes a claim and backs it up using reasoning and evidence

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8
Q

Steps in analyzing an argument

A
  1. Preview text to see what it reveals about the author and intended audience
  2. Skim to find author’s claim, reasoning, and evidence
  3. Recall what you know
  4. Annotate and identify claim, reasoning, evidence, counterclaim, and warrant
  5. Summarize argument in your own words
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9
Q

It is important to analyze arguments before forming an opinion because

A

You may fall victim to emotional appeals and may accept the claim prematurely

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10
Q

Evaluate

A

Carefully examine and judge

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11
Q

An effective argument

A

Sounds convincing and gives good reasons to believe the author’s claim

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12
Q

Logical

A

If factual evidence backs up reasons and if reasons support the claim

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13
Q

Validity

A

If the claim is being supported with solid reasons and factual evidence

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14
Q

Rhetoric

A

Language that has a strong persuasive effect; appeals to pity, indignation, anger, and fear

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15
Q

The purpose of argumentative writing is to

A

Affect the way people think or act

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16
Q

Argumentative writing purposes include

A
  • changing the reader’s POV
  • bringing about some action on the reader’s part
  • persuading readers to accept a writer’s explanation/evaluation on a concept, issue, or problem
17
Q

A good claim must be debatable because

A

There is more than one side to the claim’s topic and reasonable people can argue about it

18
Q

How to develop reasons to support claims:

A
  1. Make a list of reasons why readers should believe your claim
  2. Look for relationships between items in your list–group similar items and think of a general way to state the reason that could include both ideas
  3. Determine if you could back up the reasons with hard evidence
  4. Size up all reasons and decide which will be used in your essay
19
Q

Avoid weak claims by asking

A

Is someone able to reasonably argue against my claim?
Does my claim state an opinion rather than a fact?
Does my claim express an opinion and not just my personal preference?
Can my claim be supported by logic and not just emotions?

20
Q

Examples of evidence

A

Numerical data
Primary research
Common knowledge
Expert opinions
Anecdotes

21
Q

Why should we have counterclaims?

A
  1. Shows you are thoroughly informed about your whole topic, not just your side
  2. Shows you are confident enough in your claim to admit it has weaknesses, while still asserting it’s superior to the other side’s claim
  3. They must accept you are credible/believable
22
Q

Logical fallacies

A

Errors in reasoning that occur when writers state reasons they can’t support with evidence

23
Q

Slippery slope

A

If x happens, it will lead to another, and another…

(Ex: pen story)

24
Q

Bandwagon

A

Because everyone is doing something, you should too

25
Q

Circular logic

A

Supporting your reason with the same reason worded differently

26
Q

Appeal to emotion

A

Appealing solely to someone’s emotions without any other evidence