Parts of An Argument

Match the vocabulary word to the example.

• Counterclaim

• 
  A report says gym reduces health risks

• Rebuttal

• Some say students should get free choice

• Evidence

• There is a balance of health & education

• Reasoning

• Mandatory gym classes should be required

• Claim

• 
  Participation in teams develop character

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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."

Tags

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.

Tags

Evaluating claims and arguments

Evaluating reasons and evidence

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

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Kairos

Tags

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