Parts of An Argument

Match the vocabulary word to the example.

• Evidence

• There is a balance of health & education

• Reasoning

• 
  Participation in teams develop character

• Rebuttal

• Some say students should get free choice

• Claim

• Mandatory gym classes should be required

• Counterclaim

• 
  A report says gym reduces health risks

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

What is the main idea of the passage 'Is Eating Grass Bad for My Dog'?

• Eating grass is a normal and harmless behavior for dogs

• Dogs should not be allowed to eat grass

• Veterinarians do not support the idea of dogs eating grass

• Eating grass can be harmful to dogs

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Main ideas and supporting details

What is the author's claim about eating grass for dogs?

• It is abnormal and harmful behavior

• It is normal and harmless behavior

• It is harmful but normal behavior

• It is abnormal but harmless behavior

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Why do veterinarians claim that eating grass is normal and harmless behavior for dogs?

• It helps with digestion and provides the needed nutrients

• It is a natural response for dogs to eat grass

• Grass helps rid dogs of parasites, like worms

• It helps to cause vomiting when they have an upset stomach

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Evaluating reasons and evidence

What evidence does the author use to support the claim that eating grass is normal and harmless for dogs?

• Testimonies from Dr. Melvin Furland and Dr. Cindy McGuire

• Results from a survey of ten veterinarians

• Personal experience of the author's dog

• An experiment conducted on a group of dogs

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

Based on the evidence provided by the veterinarians, what can be inferred about their professional expertise and experience with dogs?

• They have limited knowledge about dogs

• They have a lot knowledge and experience with dogs

• They have no idea how to deal with dogs

• They rely on questionable information about dogs

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Read paragraphs 4 and 5. Which sentence contains the counterclaim?

• Dr. Cindy McGuire, though, of the Fuller Animal Hospital, thinks differently.

• "...If your dog throws up after eating grass, it isn't because the grass is harmful; but it may be because there is some other problem that needs to be checked out by your vet."

• Nine out of the ten veterinarians surveyed while writing this article agreed that eating grass was both normal and harmless behavior for a dog.

• The tenth vet, however, brought up a very good point: "Eating grass can be harmful to your pet if your lawn is treated with dangerous fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides."

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

Which sentence from paragraph 6 contains the rebuttal?

• So if you have a furry-four-legged lawnmower at home, be sure to use only non-toxic products on your lawn, and when walking your dogs, watch for signs warning that chemicals have been used on the grass.

• And then don't worry.

• Let Rover have a salad if he wants one.

• It isn't going to hurt him.

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

Which TWO (2) rhetorical devices does this passage use?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Kairos

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Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

Is the argument strong or weak?

• Weak: it uses weak evidence like personal experiences, & doesn't provide good reasons.

• Somewhat Weak: it uses weak evidence like testimonials, but also has facts.

• Somewhat Strong: it uses some evidence like fact, but not all relates to the topic. The reasons are good.

• Strong: it uses strong evidence such as animal experts, & facts from a survey. It provides good reasons.

Tags

Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence