Trace and Evaluate an Argument

What does it mean to evaluate evidence and reasoning in an argument?

• Critically assess the facts and logic presented in support of a claim.

• Evaluate evidence based on personal beliefs

• Ignore evidence and reasoning completely

• Accept all evidence without question

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CCSS.RI.8.1

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How can you determine if a claim is valid or not?

• Trust your gut feeling

• Evaluate the evidence, analyze the facts, consider counterarguments, and assess the credibility of the source.

• Flip a coin

• Ask a friend

Explain the importance of evidence in evaluating an argument.

• Credibility is not affected by the presence of evidence

• Evidence is not important in evaluating an argument

• Arguments can be evaluated without evidence

• Evidence is crucial in evaluating an argument as it provides support for the claims made, helps establish credibility, and allows for logical reasoning to be applied. Without evidence, arguments can be baseless and lack validity.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

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Discuss the role of reasoning in assessing the validity of claims.

• Reasoning is essential for evaluating the validity of claims as it enables individuals to critically analyze evidence, evaluate arguments, and draw logical conclusions.

• Reasoning has no impact on assessing the validity of claims

• Assessing claims does not require critical thinking

• Drawing illogical conclusions is beneficial for evaluating claims

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

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What are some common fallacies to watch out for when evaluating evidence and reasoning?

• red herring fallacy

• circular reasoning fallacy

• Ad hominem attacks, appeal to authority, false cause fallacy, straw man fallacy, hasty generalization

• bandwagon fallacy

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

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Why is it essential to consider the source of evidence when evaluating an argument?

• To assess the credibility, bias, and reliability of the information.

• To confuse the audience

• To make the argument more complex

• To ignore any potential biases in the argument

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CCSS.RI.8.1

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Provide an example of a strong argument with solid evidence and reasoning.

• Using emotional manipulation without any factual basis

• Relying solely on personal anecdotes without external sources

• Making sweeping generalizations without specific examples or data

• Presenting factual data, expert opinions, and logical reasoning to support a claim.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

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How can you identify weak points in an argument during evaluation?

• Check the alignment of the text in the argument

• Evaluate the font size used in the argument

• Analyze the premises, conclusions, evidence, and reasoning presented in the argument.

• Count the number of words in the argument

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

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Explain the difference between a strong claim and a weak claim.

• A strong claim lacks evidence, while a weak claim is well-supported.

• A strong claim is subjective, while a weak claim is objective.

• A strong claim is vague, while a weak claim is specific.

• A strong claim is well-supported, while a weak claim lacks evidence or reasoning.

Discuss the significance of counterarguments in evaluating the validity of claims.

• Counterarguments are significant as they offer alternative viewpoints, expose weaknesses, and encourage critical thinking.

• Counterarguments always strengthen the original claim

• Counterarguments limit critical thinking

• Counterarguments are irrelevant distractions