IGCSE Global Perspectives-Evaluating arguments

What is an argument?

• an opinion about something

• facts about a topic

• a discussion about an issue

• a claim supported by reasons and evidence

What is the purpose of an argument?

• to confuse the other listener

• to promote an idea

• to persuade and convince a listener

• All the above

An argument is said to be weak when...

• it can easily be understood

• it lacks all details

• its not convincing

• it does not have a claim

What does it mean by "Evaluating an argument"?

• find out the meaning of that argument

• assess its strengths and weaknesses using a given criteria

• find out how well the speaker or author argues about an issue

• establish the strong points and weak points in that argument

Which of the following will indicate whether an argument is strong or convincing or not?

• Strength of reasoning- Logic(does it make sense?), structure and balance

• Use of language-tone-emotive, exaggerated, precise and Clarity-whether argument is easy to follow.

• Evidence-the range and depth of information, relevance, sufficiency, source reliability and validity, different types of information-facts, opinions, expert testimony

• Source bias- personal interest, experience and personal values of the author/speaker

• All the above

Read Document 1:

“Promoting universal primary education by the UN is a waste of time. Most governments are unable to provide this kind of education because they lack the finance. Furthermore, many people have noted that the quality of universal primary education is very low and not the kind that most parents would like to provide for their children. A large percentage of children in Africa can not attend school because most governments are corrupt and at times traditional culture and customs prevent parents from sending children to school. According to the 2015 UNICEF global report, Recent statistics show that for every 100 boys out of school, there are still 117 girls in the same situation. The number of primary school drop-out is actually on the rise in Africa. We are far from achieving the millennium development goal on universal primary education.”

Dr. Mohideen

Minister of Education, Mauritania

Question:

How convincing is Dr. Mohideen's argument?

In your answer, support your point of view with his words in Document 1. Consider the following: [6 marks]

Strength of reasoning

-Use of evidence

-Use of language-clarity,

-Source bias

• Criterion to be shared

• Criterion to be shared

• Criterion to be shared

• Criterion to be shared