Mastering Author’s Arguments: Evaluating with Precision

1. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author’s Argument

2. Author’s Argument • An author’s argument is the opinion or belief that he or she wants to persuade readers to believe. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

3. Identify the Issue • Issue means the controversial topic the author is discussing. Controversial issues on ones on which people disagree.Examples of controversial issues include the death penalty, gun control, foreign policy, and abortion. • Ask yourself, “Is the author writing about a controversial issue?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

4. Determine the Author’s Argument • The author’s argument is his or her point of view on an issue. • Ask yourself, “What is the author’s position on the issue?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

5. Step 1: Identify the Author’s Assumptions • An author’s assumptions consist of things the author takes for granted without presenting any proof (in other words, what the author believes or accepts as true and bases the argument on). • Ask yourself, “What does the author take for granted?” • If the author’s assumptions are illogical or incorrect, the entire argument will be flawed. Readers may be misled unless they identify the author’s assumptions. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

6. Step 2: Identify the Types of Support • Types of support refers to the kind of evidence the author uses to back up the argument. • Ask yourself, “What kind of support does the author present to back the argument?” • Support can include research findings, case studies, personal experience or observation, examples, facts, comparisons, expert testimony and opinions. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

7. Step 3: Determine the Relevance of the Support • Relevance means the support is directly related to the argument. • Ask yourself, “Is the support directly related to the argument?” • Unless the author is an expert, his or her opinion or personal experience may not be particularly relevant. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

8. Step 4: Determine the Author’s Objectivity • The author’s argument has objectivity when the support consists of facts and other clear evidence. • Ask yourself, “Does the author present facts and clear evidence as support?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

9. Step 5: Determine the Argument’s Completeness • An argument is complete if the author presents adequate support and overcomes opposing points. • Sometimes authors do not give enough support. • Sometimes they leave out information that would weaken their argument. Their argument would be stronger if they presented it and countered it. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

10. Step 6: Determine if the Argument Is Valid • An argument is valid (has validity) if it is logical. • Ask yourself, “Is the argument logical (well-reasoned)?” Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

11. Step 7: Decide if the Argument Is Credible • An argument has credibility if it is believable (convincing). • Ask yourself, “Is the author’s argument believable?” • Validity and credibility are closely related since an argument that is not valid will not be credible. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

12. The Edge: Pointers from the Coach • Don’t become overwhelmed because there are several steps in evaluating an author’s argument. • Watch out for your own biases when you evaluate an author’s argument. • Authors do not have to prove conclusively that their argument is correct. After all, not everything can be proved. They must, however, present an argument that is well-reasoned and well-supported. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument

13. The Edge (continued) • There are several ways author’s try to manipulate readers into buying their argument. These are called propaganda techniques. • After you have read an author’s argument, go back through it. Mark the argument and each piece of support. Chapter 11: Evaluating an Author's Argument