Evaluating and Reviewing essay
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jay1.pptxEvaluating an Argument
Using the five parts of an argument
Part 1 – Claim [who should do what?]
What is the “debatable statement” that forms the main point of the argument?
What does Camel “think?”
“X” asserts that __________
Part 2 – Reasons [because clauses]
Why should one accept the claim?
Reasons are statements that, taken together, give readers a basis for accepting the claim.
Camel asserts that ___________ should __________ because ________________ and _________________.
Part 3 – Evidence
[How do you know your reasons are true?]
How does the arguer know she is right?
Sources of evidence: personal experiences,
Outside authorities, facts, studies, statistics, etc.
Evidence is not debatable – its interpretation is!
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company encourages smokers to choose Camel Cigarettes because more doctors choose Camel cigarettes, Camel uses “rich, full-flavor” tobacco, and Camel cigarettes are soothing to a smoker’s throat and taste buds.
Evidence – Doctor Survey (113, 597 were surveyed)
What persuasive appeal is being used here?
Part 4 Warrants (unstated assumptions)
Why do you think your Reasons support the Claim?
Each reason has its own warrant:
Choose Camels because:
1. More doctors chose Camels in a national survey – Assumption _________________
2. Camel uses costlier tobacco – Assumption _________________________________
3. T-zone: Taste and Throat “proving ground” Assumption _______________________
Part 5 – Look for Logical Fallacies
See Bedford p. 180-181
Evaluate the Argument
1. Are the warrants logical?
2. Does the evidence support the reasons and claim?
3. Is the claim a reasonable conclusion to draw from the evidence?
4. How would you rate the effectiveness of this argument?
