Evaluating an Author’s Argument by Examining Claims and Evidence

Once an author selects his topic and establishes his purpose, they then have to produce a ____. 

• claim
• reason
• evidence
• explanation

Once an author establishes his claim he must provide ____ that the claim is valid. 

• claim
• evidence
• reasons
• All of these

To further strengthen the claim, the author must use ____ 

• claim
• reasons
• evidence
• All of these

To better persuade a reader or audience member, an author can use which persuasive appeal. 

• Ethos
• Logos
• Pathos
• All of these

Claim: All high schools students should be required to take a foreign language to make them more competitive. 

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the claim above?

• You will learn another language. 
• Learning another foreign language is a waste of time.
• There is little evidence that many students achieve much fluencey in high school. 
• Learning another language improves students' vocabulary and grammar skills. 

This persuasive technique uses facts and logic (empirical and logical evidence) to appeal to an audience’s sense of reason or common sense

• rhetoric
• pathos
• logos
• ethos

This persuasive technique focuses on the credibility of the speaker and the respect the speaker has with the audience (sometimes done through experts or celebrities)

• rhetoric
• pathos
• logos
• ethos

This persuasive technique yields to strong emotions, values, ideals, etc. in the audience (anecdotal evidence usually helps the audience feel emotion)

• rhetoric
• pathos
• logos
• ethos

Claim: Dogs are lovable and make excellent pets. 
What type of supporting evidence should the author add to strengthen the argument? 

• Empirical Evidence - 
• Logical Evidence
• Anecdotal Evidence
• None of these

Directions: Read the claim below. Then read the remaining essay. Does the author provide sufficient and relevant evidence to support the CLAIM.
New laws should be created to enforce the use of bamboo instead of wood in paper products.
A growing number of researchers are learning the benefits of bamboo. It can be used instead of wood for paper. Beautiful green stalks set this plant apart from others. Bamboo is the perfect alternative to traditional wood. 

• Yes
• No