Transcript Chapter 10: Evaluating an Author`s Argument

Chapter 11: Evaluating an
Author’s Argument
Author’s Argument
An author’s argument is the opinion
or belief that he or she wants to
persuade readers to believe.
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Identify the Issue
Issue means the controversial topic
the author is discussing.
Controversial issues on ones on which people
disagree. Examples of controversial issues include
the death penalty, gun control, foreign policy, and
abortion.
Ask yourself, “Is the author writing about
a controversial issue?”
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Determine the
Author’s Argument
The author’s argument is his or her
point of view on an issue.
Ask yourself, “What is the author’s
position on the issue?”
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Step 1: Identify the Author’s
Assumptions
An author’s assumptions consist of things the
author takes for granted without presenting
any proof (in other words, what the author believes or
accepts as true and bases the argument on).
Ask yourself, “What does the author take for
granted?”
If the author’s assumptions are illogical or
incorrect, the entire argument will be flawed.
Readers may be misled unless they identify the
author’s assumptions.
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Step 2: Identify the
Types of Support
Types of support refers to the kind of
evidence the author uses to back up the
argument.
Ask yourself, “What kind of support does the
author present to back the argument?”
Support can include research findings, case
studies, personal experience or observation,
examples, facts, comparisons, expert testimony
and opinions.
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Step 3: Determine the
Relevance of the Support
Relevance means the support is
directly related to the argument.
Ask yourself, “Is the support directly
related to the argument?”
Unless the author is an expert, his or
her opinion or personal experience may
not be particularly relevant.
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Step 4: Determine the
Author’s Objectivity
The author’s argument has objectivity
when the support consists of facts and
other clear evidence.
Ask yourself, “Does the author present
facts and clear evidence as support?”
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Step 5: Determine the
Argument’s Completeness
An argument is complete if the author
presents adequate support and
overcomes opposing points.
Sometimes authors do not give enough support.
Sometimes they leave out information that would
weaken their argument. Their argument would be
stronger if they presented it and countered it.
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Step 6: Determine if the
Argument Is Valid
An argument is valid (has validity) if
it is logical.
Ask yourself, “Is the argument logical
(well-reasoned)?”
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Step 7: Decide if the
Argument Is Credible
An argument has credibility if it is
believable (convincing).
Ask yourself, “Is the author’s argument
believable?”
Validity and credibility are closely
related since an argument that is not
valid will not be credible.
© 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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The Edge:
Pointers from the Coach
Don’t become overwhelmed because there are
several steps in evaluating an author’s argument.
Watch out for your own biases when you evaluate an
author’s argument.
Authors do not have to prove conclusively that their
argument is correct. After all, not everything can be
proved. They must, however, present an argument
that is well-reasoned and well-supported.
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The Edge (continued)
There are several ways author’s try to
manipulate readers into buying their
argument. These are called propaganda
techniques.
After you have read an author’s argument, go
back through it. Mark the argument and each
piece of support.
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