Analyzing, Evaluating, Planning An Argument

Question 1

Parts of a formal argument

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is claim?

Answer 2

Statement of the author’s position on an issue

Question 3

What is reasoning and evidence?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are counterclaims?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is warrant?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

By identifying missing parts, you can identify ___ arguments

Answer 6

Weak

Question 7

Argumentative text

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Steps in analyzing an argument

Answer 8

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

Question 9

It is important to analyze arguments before forming an opinion because

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Evaluate

Answer 10

Carefully examine and judge

Question 11

An effective argument

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Logical

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Validity

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Rhetoric

Answer 14

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

Question 15

The purpose of argumentative writing is to

Answer 15

Affect the way people think or act

Question 16

Argumentative writing purposes include

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

A good claim must be debatable because

Answer 17

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

Question 18

How to develop reasons to support claims:

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Avoid weak claims by asking

Answer 19

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?

Question 20

Examples of evidence

Answer 20

Numerical data
Primary research
Common knowledge
Expert opinions
Anecdotes

Question 21

Why should we have counterclaims?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Logical fallacies

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Slippery slope

Answer 23

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

(Ex: pen story)

Question 24

Bandwagon

Answer 24

Because everyone is doing something, you should too

Question 25

Circular logic

Answer 25

Supporting your reason with the same reason worded differently

Question 26

Appeal to emotion

Answer 26

Appealing solely to someone’s emotions without any other evidence