Tracing an Argument

Tracing an Argument

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Evaluating Arguments

How to tell if an argument is sound.

When building an argument, a writer makes one or more claims, or statements he or she believes to be true. Then the writer backs up each claim with evidence, or information that supports the claim. Part of figuring out the strength of an argument is determining whether there is enough evidence to support the claim—and also whether the evidence does, in fact, act as support at all.

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Remember some key vocab:

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​Claim

Evidence

​A claim is the main argument made by the author; it is what they are trying to prove is true.

​Something that proves or demonstrates the truth of something else is known as evidence

Sound

Reasoning that makes sense and follows some kind of logic. Means the same as logical reasoning

Bias

Statements that favor one opinion or idea over another, sometimes creating an unfair or unsound argument by the author.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of claim?

• Something that proves or demonstrates the truth of something else is known as evidence

• the main argument made by the author; it is what they are trying to prove is true. A strong claim will be supported by reasons and evidence

• statements that favor one opinion or idea over another, sometimes creating an unfair or unsound argument by the author

• Sound refers to reasoning that makes sense and follows some sort of logic. Sound reasoning means the same as logical reasoning

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of evidence?

• Something that proves or demonstrates the truth of something else is known as evidence

• the main argument made by the author; it is what they are trying to prove is true. A strong claim will be supported by reasons and evidence

• statements that favor one opinion or idea over another, sometimes creating an unfair or unsound argument by the author

• Sound refers to reasoning that makes sense and follows some sort of logic. Sound reasoning means the same as logical reasoning

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of sound?

• Something that proves or demonstrates the truth of something else is known as evidence

• the main argument made by the author; it is what they are trying to prove is true. A strong claim will be supported by reasons and evidence

• statements that favor one opinion or idea over another, sometimes creating an unfair or unsound argument by the author

• reasoning that makes sense and follows some sort of logic. Means the same as logical reasoning.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of bias?

• Something that proves or demonstrates the truth of something else is known as evidence

• the main argument made by the author; it is what they are trying to prove is true. A strong claim will be supported by reasons and evidence

• statements that favor one opinion or idea over another, sometimes creating an unfair or unsound argument by the author

• reasoning that makes sense and follows some sort of logic. Means the same as logical reasoning.

Read the following from an argument about solar-powered cars. First,
identify the claim. Next, identify the reasons.

Multiple Choice

What is the claim of the argument?

Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment. First, solar cars would help end our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal, which contribute to the pollution of our atmosphere. In addition, solar power is a renewable resource; unlike fossil fuels, it will never run out. Solar cars would also help the consumer save money. Panels attached to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity, so no one would ever need to buy another tank of gas. Finally, solar-powered cars would also come in all the same colors as gas-powered cars. 

• Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment.

• Solar powered cars would help end our dependence on fossil fuels.

• You can but a solar powered car in different colors.

• Panels attached to the cars would convert sunlight to electricity.

Multiple Choice

What is a one reason the author provides for their claim?

Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment. First, solar cars would help end our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal, which contribute to the pollution of our atmosphere. In addition, solar power is a renewable resource; unlike fossil fuels, it will never run out. Solar cars would also help the consumer save money. Panels attached to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity, so no one would ever need to buy another tank of gas. Finally, solar-powered cars would also come in all the same colors as gas-powered cars. 

• Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment.

• Panels attached to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity

• solar cars would help end our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal, which contribute to the pollution of our atmosphere

• solar power is a renewable resource

Multiple Choice

What is a one reason the author provides for their claim?

Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment. First, solar cars would help end our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal, which contribute to the pollution of our atmosphere. In addition, solar power is a renewable resource; unlike fossil fuels, it will never run out. Solar cars would also help the consumer save money. Panels attached to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity, so no one would ever need to buy another tank of gas. Finally, solar-powered cars would also come in all the same colors as gas-powered cars. 

• Panels attached to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity

• Solar cars would also help the consumer save money.

• Dedicating research money to the development of solar powered cars would be a wise investment.

• solar power is a renewable resource

Read the following:

Multiple Choice

Which statement best expresses the author’s claim?

• It is important to reduce fuel costs for California drivers so that they can save money each year.

• By requiring cleaner, more efficient engine and emission systems, the Advanced Clean Cars Program benefits everyone.

• Requiring that one in seven cars be a zero-emission or plug-in vehicle is the only way to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.

• The greatest achievement of the Advanced Clean Cars Program is that it will create 21,000 jobs now and more in the future

Multiple Choice

What evidence does the author provide to support this claim?

• The author explains that the cars will still play an important role in our future system of transportation.

• The author describes how the California Clean Air Resources Board adopted the Advanced Clean Cars Program.

• The author points out how dependence on oil harms both the nation and the world.

• The author provides details about how the Advanced Clean Cars Program will reduce car emissions and benefit consumers.

Multiple Choice

Does the author provide a sound argument?

• Yes the author provides evidence that is logical and sound.

• No the author does not provide evidence that is logical and sound.

Multiple Choice

Does the author present all sides?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Does the author present a strong argument?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Why doesn’t the author present a strong argument?

• The author presents a strong argument.

• The author does not present a strong argument because they do not use sound evidence.

• The author does not present a strong argument because they do not present all sides of the argument.