01/26 Evaluate Arguments

Evaluate Arguments

A Study Island Lesson

Expectations

Take notes.

Respond when called on.

Use the chat appropriately.

Be visible in the camera.

Do your best on the questions.

CHAMPS

C - 0 except when called on

H - chat

A - notes; quiz

M - at computer

P - answering questions, taking notes

S - 80% or higher on quiz

Objective

I will be able to develop arguments by using reasons and evidence to make a claim.

Classroom Rules Time!

Whoo!

Evaluating Arguments

Argument: a statement or claim backed by evidence

Evaluate: analyze the quality of something

Multiple Choice

An argument in writing is a fight between two people.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Evaluating is another way of seeing if something is true.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

To evaluate an argument means...

• to see who is right in a fight

• to write an essay

• to start a problem with someone

• to see if a statement or claim is true

Understanding Arguments

- People write arguments to make a point, or to try and claim that something is true.

- Example: The PS5 has better graphics than the Xbox Series X.

- Example: Cats make better pets than dogs.

- Example: Everyone should recycle because it's good for the environment.

- In other words, arguments are opinions that are heavily backed by evidence.

- Arguments show someone's beliefs, or position, on a topic.

Multiple Choice

Arguments are like opinions, except they are backed by...

• evidence

• strength

• trees

• evaluations

Multiple Select

People write arguments to.... (Select all that apply.)

• share their opinion

• make a point

• try and show something is true

• fight with people

Multiple Choice

A "position" on an argument means...

• where that person is standing when arguing

• how someone uses their hands

• a type of writing style

• what a person believes

Elements of Arguments

1. They state a position or opinion clearly.

2. They back up the position with evidence of some sort.

3. They show the benefits (good things) of that particular position.

Multiple Choice

Argument Example: Josh wants to ask his mom if he can go over to Bobby's house. However, Josh is worried his mom will say no and complain about his schoolwork not getting done. Which answer below might help Josh support his argument that he should be allowed at Bobby's?

• "It will be really fast. I will do my homework when I get home."

• "I already have good grades. Who cares if I miss one assignment?"

• "We'll do our homework first before we play video games! Bobby's mom won't let him play until it gets done."

• "If you loved me, you would let me go."

Counterarguments

Counterargument: an argument that goes against your viewpoint or position on a topic

Counterarguments are sometimes used to make arguments stronger because they help you predict what your opponent might say.

Multiple Choice

A counterargument is the same thing as an argument.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

How are counterarguments used to strengthen arguments?

• They can help you predict what someone against your position might say.

• They make people scared to argue back.

• They add evidence to your argument.

• They add pictures and illustrations.

Multiple Choice

Counterargument Example: Josh wants to ask his mom if he can go over to Bobby's house. They want to play video games together. However, Josh thinks his mom is going to say no because of his homework. He decides he's going to tell her they'll get it done first.

Which sentence shows Josh is considering his mom's potential counterargument?

• Josh wants to ask his mom if he can go over to Bobby's house.

• They want to play video games together.

• Josh thinks his mom is going to say no because of his homework.

• He decide he's going to tell her they'll get it done first.

Steps to Writing Arguments

1. State your opinion about something.

Example: Cloudy days are better than sunny days for rollerblading at the park.

Open Ended

State an opinion you have about something.

Steps to Writing Arguments

2. Back up your opinion with logic, reason, and evidence.

Opinion: Cloudy days are better than sunny days for rollerblading at the part.

Logic, reason, evidence: When I rollerblade on a hot, sunny day, my clothes get all sweaty in a matter of minutes. Also, the sun reflected off the pavement can really be blinding. A sunny day really draws the crowds, too, and who wants to be tripping over all those people when you're going for a speed record!

Open Ended

Write evidence to support your opinion from the previous question. (How would you convince people you're right?)

Steps to Writing An Argument

3. Show the benefits of your position.

Opinion: Cloudy days are better than sunny days for rollerblading at the part.

Logic, reason, evidence: When I rollerblade on a hot, sunny day, my clothes get all sweaty in a matter of minutes. Also, the sun reflected off the pavement can really be blinding. A sunny day really draws the crowds, too, and who wants to be tripping over all those people when you're going for a speed record!

Benefits: If I wake up and see a cloudy sky, I grab my blades and head straight for the park because I know it will be nice and cool, and I won't have to wear dark sunglasses just to see my way around the track. But best of all, I know I'll have the place to myself, free to race around to my heart's content.

Open Ended

Describe the benefits of your position/opinion from the last two questions. (What are the good things about your position?)

Arguments: Author's Attitude

When reading arguments, it is important to figure out the author's purpose and how the author feels about the topic.

Good readers check for bias.

Bias: strong beliefs or thoughts about certain topics that cause you to feel unfair ways about them

When you are biased, you feel strongly about something, regardless of the facts given to you.

Open Ended

What are some examples of things you feel biased about? In other words, what are some examples of things you have strong feelings about and no one can change your mind?

Analyzing an Author's Attitude

1. What is the author's purpose in writing?

2. Has the author presented all sides of an argument or issue? Is it fair?

3. Are there enough facts to support each side?

4. Can you trust what the author says?

5. Does the author use words that seem angry or overly excited?

(If you answer "No" to #2, #3, #4 and "Yes" to #5, you probably shouldn't trust your author!)

Multiple Choice

Should you trust an author who uses overly angry words?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Should you trust an author that provides evidence?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Should you trust an author who only tells you one side of things?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Should you trust an author who is biased?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Should you trust an author who uses logic and reason?

• Yes

• No

Persuasive Techniques

Persuasive techniques: ways of writing that help persuade readers to listen to your argument

Multiple Choice

A technique is...

• a way of doing something

• a skill

• a type of dance move

• a writing utensil

Multiple Choice

When you persuade someone, you...

• punch them

• convince them

• ask them

• command them

Emotional Appeal

Emotional appeal: convince your audience by influencing their emotions

Multiple Choice

How does this advertisement appeal to the audience emotionally?

• It appeals to emotions by using bright colors.

• It appeals to emotions by putting a bright red button to Donate.

• It appeals to emotions by showing you how cute starving children are.

• It appeals to emotions by showing a young kid looking sad and slightly bruised.

Logical Appeal

Logical appeal: convince your audience by using facts and statistics

Multiple Choice

How does this advertisement appeal to the audience logically?

• It uses a statistic, like four million children.

• It uses bright colors.

• It includes a giant red DONATE button to make you feel bad.

• It shows a sad, hungry kid.

Bandwagon Technique

Bandwagon: convince your audience by making them feel left out; peer pressure

Multiple Choice

Which advertisement shows a bandwagon technique?

Testimonial Technique

Testimonial: shares the experience of someone, sometimes someone famous, who has used the product

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a testimonial?

• "There are starving children in Africa."

• "Did you know that 14 million birds die mysteriously every year?"

• "Everyone else is eating these bugs, so you should, too!"

• "My teeth have never been whiter thanks to Colgate!"