Tracing and Evaluating Arguments in Informational Texts

The video tutorial teaches how to trace and evaluate arguments in informational texts. It explains how to identify the author's main claim or thesis and evaluate the claims supporting the argument. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between claims backed by evidence and those that are not. Real-world examples are provided to illustrate the process of evaluating claims. By the end of the video, viewers will be able to separate fact from fiction in informational texts.

What is the main goal of this video tutorial?

• To learn about the history of arguments

• To explore different types of informational texts

• To understand how to trace and evaluate arguments in informational texts

• To learn how to write persuasive essays

What is the first step in understanding an author's argument?

• Checking the publication date

• Identifying the main claim or thesis

• Evaluating the evidence

• Reading the conclusion

What question should you ask to find the author's main claim?

• What is the length of the text?

• What are the sources used?

• What is the point the author is trying to make?

• What is the author's background?

What is a claim in the context of an informational text?

• A question posed by the author

• A conclusion drawn from the text

• A summary of the text

• A statement made to support the author's argument

How can you tell if a claim is supported by evidence?

• If it is repeated multiple times

• If it is stated at the beginning of the text

• If it is backed up by reasons and evidence

• If it is written in bold

Why should you be skeptical of a claim with no evidence?

• Because it is too long

• Because it lacks support

• Because it could be an opinion

• Because it might be a typo

What is an example of a claim supported by evidence?

• Eating fast food is bad for your health

• Drinking coffee makes you taller

• Aliens exist because I saw one

• The sky is green

What health problems are associated with regularly eating fast food?

• Better sleep

• Obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease

• Increased energy

• Improved vision

Is there any evidence to support the claim that drinking coffee makes you taller?

• No, there is no evidence

• No, but it is a popular belief

• Yes, there are many studies

• Yes, it is a well-known fact

What is the benefit of tracing arguments and evaluating claims in informational texts?

• It makes reading faster

• It improves your memory

• It allows you to separate fact from fiction

• It helps you write better essays