R.2.4 - Reasoning

ELA.7.R.2.4 - ELA.7.R.2.4: Track the development of an argument, analyzing the types of reasoning used and their effectiveness.

By Allen Szyrwiel

​Abductive Reasoning (noun) - a process of making an argument using incomplete information and knowledge of patterns to come up with the simplest and most likely conclusion without verifying it.


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In other words...


Abductive reasoning is a fancy way of making your best guess. If you see wet streets, you might guess it rained earlier, especially if that’s what usually happens when the streets are wet. But hey, maybe it was just the sprinklers this time!

• You hear a loud crash in the kitchen and walk in to see a broken plate on the floor.

  • Abductive reasoning: Someone must have dropped it.

• You see your friend yawning and rubbing their eyes.

  • Abductive Reasoning: They are probably tired.

​Some examples:

THINK-PAIR-SHARE


​1 minute: (SILENT)

Think about an example of ABDUCTIVE REASONING.

​Deductive Reasoning (noun) - a process of making an argument in which a conclusion is based on a list of premises that are generally assumed to be true.



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In other words...




​When you think of deductive reasoning, think of this as a detective’s way of thinking. It starts with something we know for sure, like a big fact or rule, and then uses that to figure out something else. It's like saying, "All dogs have tails. Sparky is a dog. So, Sparky must have a tail." Easy, right?

• All birds have feathers. A penguin is a bird.

  • Deductive Reasoning: A penguin must have feathers. (even though it can't fly)

• ​Some examples:
  
  All mammals have lungs. A dolphin is a mammal.

  Deductive Reasoning: A dolphin has lungs and breathes air.

Multiple Choice

All fruits contain seeds. A tomato is a fruit. Therefore, a tomato must...

• grow underground like a potato.

• be sweet like all other fruits.

• come from the Aztecs

• contain seeds inside it.

​Abductive reasoning is when you make the best guess or draw a conclusion based on available clues, but it's not certain. It’s like solving a mystery with incomplete information.


Deductive reasoning is when you start with a general idea or rule and apply it to a specific case to reach a certain conclusion. It’s like following a clear path to the answer.

​Argument (noun) - a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view


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​In other words...


An argument is when you use reasons and facts to explain and prove your point or opinion about something.

​3 Argument Examples:

Dress codes help students focus and feel equal by reducing distractions.

Year-round school helps students remember what they learn and avoid summer brain drain.

Chewing gum helps students stay focused and calm if they use it responsibly.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is an argument?

• Some students like wearing uniforms to school.

• Year-round school sounds like a lot of work.

• Year-round school helps students remember what they learn and avoid summer brain drain.

• Chewing gum in class is fun and tasty.
  

​Claim (noun) - the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem


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​In other words...

A claim is what the writer or speaker believes about a topic that people can agree or disagree on.

​What's the difference between a claim and an argument?

A claim is WHAT you believe about a topic.

An argument is WHY you believe it.


EXAMPLE:

Claim: Students should be allowed to chew gum in school.

Argument: Chewing gum helps students focus and reduces stress, so it should be allowed in class.

​Evidence (noun) - facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim


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​In other words...

Evidence is facts, examples, or expert opinions that help prove a claim.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support the claim "Students should be allowed to chew gum in school"? (Choose two.)

• Studies show that chewing gum helps students focus and stay alert

• Gum comes in many different flavors and brands.

• Research suggests that chewing gum can reduce stress and improve memory.

• Some students like to chew gum during lunch.

Open Ended

Write a 1 line argument as to WHY rotations are either beneficial or unhelpful.