CHAPTER TWELVE Becoming an Effective Reader PowerPoint by Mary Dubbé Thomas Nelson Community College PART ONE The Basics of Argument 12 Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

CHAPTER TWELVE In this chapter, you will learn to: Define the terms argument, claim, and evidence. Identify the author’s claim and evidence. Determine whether evidence is relevant Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.2 Chapter Outline and Learning Objectives 3 3

CHAPTER TWELVE Determine whether evidence is adequate. Analyze the argument for bias. Apply inference skills to evaluate arguments for validity. Evaluate the importance of the basics of argument Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.4 Define the terms argument, claim, and evidence. 1 1 ARGUMENT: a reasonable process that includes 1. The author’s claim (the main point) 2. The support (the evidence or reasons supporting the claim) Goal of Argument: to persuade the reader that the claim is valid Reader’s Challenge: to analyze the claim to determine if it is valid—beware of invalid conclusions

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.5 Four Steps for Analyzing Arguments Step 1 Identify the author’s claim and support. Step 2 Decide whether the supports are relevant. Step 3 Decide whether the supports are adequate. Step 4 Check the argument for bias.

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.6 Identify the author’s claim and evidence. 2 2 Step 1: Identify the author’s claim and support.  The claim is presented in the stated main idea and expresses an opinion. (Find the topic and the controlling point.)  The support is expressed in the details as reasons. Claim: Student athletes shouldn’t be paid. Support: Athletes already receive scholarships. Smaller schools won’t be able to compete. Athletes are students, not employees. Example

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.7 Determine whether the evidence is relevant. 3 3 Step 2: Decide whether the supports are relevant.  Irrelevant supports change the topic or ignore the controlling point.  Turn the claim into a question.  Test the validity of the reasons. (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)  Test each support.  Use inference skills. Question: Why shouldn’t student athletes be paid? Example

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc Step 3: Decide whether the supports are adequate.  Consider the facts.  Don’t infer anything that is not there.  Look for contradictions to your conclusion.  Decide if enough evidence is provided. Support: Athletes already receive scholarships. Smaller schools won’t be able to compete. Athletes are students, not employees. Determine whether the evidence is adequate. Example

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.9 Analyze the argument for bias. 5 5 Step 4: Check the argument for bias.  Does the author provide mostly positive or negative support?  Does the author provide mostly factual details or rely on biased language?  Does the writer include or omit opposing views? Support: Athletes already receive scholarships. Smaller schools won’t be able to compete. Athletes are students, not employees. Example

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.10 Let’s Review! Assess your comprehension of the basics of argument.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 1.In order to analyze an argument, an effective reader must determine both the claim and the _______. A. identity of the author B. popular side C. evidence that supports the claim D. unstated assumptions that are false

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 1.In order to analyze an argument, an effective reader must determine both the claim and the _______. A. identity of the author B. popular side C. evidence that supports the claim D. unstated assumptions that are false 1 1 Identify the terms argument, claim, and evidence.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 2. Effective argument includes all of the following EXCEPT: A. bias B. a claim C. logical details D. valid support

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 2. Effective argument includes all of the following EXCEPT: A. bias B. a claim C. logical details D. valid support 1 1 Identify the terms argument, claim, and evidence.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 3. All of the following test questions are helpful in deciding if a claim is valid EXCEPT: A. How important is the person making the claim? B. Does the argument contain bias? C. Are the supports relevant to the claim? D. Are the supports adequate?

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 3. All of the following test questions are helpful in deciding if a claim is valid EXCEPT: A. How important is the person making the claim? B. Does the argument contain bias? C. Are the supports relevant to the claim? D. Are the supports adequate? 3 3 Determine whether the evidence is relevant.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 4. Irrelevant support can be recognized because it may _______. A. provide supporting reasons B. list significant facts C. answer the reporter’s questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? D. change the topic or ignore the controlling point

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 4. Irrelevant support can be recognized because it may _______. A. provide supporting reasons B. list significant facts C. answer the reporter’s questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? D. change the topic or ignore the controlling point 3 3 Determine whether the evidence is relevant.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 5. Making a claim without providing adequate support is an error known as _______. A. negative connotation B. biased support C. an invalid conclusion D. illogical symbolism

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 5. Making a claim without providing adequate support is an error known as _______. A. negative connotation B. biased support C. an invalid conclusion D. illogical symbolism 6 6 Apply inference skills to evaluate arguments for validity.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 6.The author’s claim is usually found in the _______. A. major supporting details B. topic sentence C. transitional sentence D. concluding sentence

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 6.The author’s claim is usually found in the _______. A. major supporting details B. topic sentence C. transitional sentence D. concluding sentence Identify the author’s claim and evidence. 2 2

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 7.When evaluating an argument, it is important to test each support by asking _______ A. Is this support interesting to the reader? B. Is this support surprising or unexpected? C. Does this support agree with the reader’s personal opinion? D. Is this support relevant to the author’s claim?

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 7.When evaluating an argument, it is important to test each support by asking _______ A. Is this support interesting to the reader? B. Is this support surprising or unexpected? C. Does this support agree with the reader’s personal opinion? D. Is this support relevant to the author’s claim? Determine whether the evidence is relevant. 3 3

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 8.A valid argument is based on both the author’s claim and relevant support as well as the _______. A. hidden bias toward the support B. amount and quality of the support C. subjective opinions of the author D. author’s reputation

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 8.A valid argument is based on both the author’s claim and relevant support as well as the _______. A. hidden bias toward the support B. amount and quality of the support C. subjective opinions of the author D. author’s reputation 4 4 Determine whether the evidence is adequate.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 9. From the choices below, choose the statement that reveals the claim. A. Individuals can reduce the amount of electricitythey use. B. Everyone can promote recycling. C. We could walk or ride bicycles to conserve gas. D. We should all make more effort to protect the environment.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 9. From the choices below, choose the statement that reveals the claim. A. Individuals can reduce the amount of electricitythey use. B. Everyone can promote recycling. C. We could walk or ride bicycles to conserve gas. D. We should all make more effort to protect the environment. 2 2 Identify the author’s claim and evidence.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 10. Which support is not valid for this claim? Vegetables should be carefully washed before eating. A. Pesticide residues have been found in the tissues of infants. B.Pesticide residues can damage body tissues. C.Pesticides help to reduce the spread of disease by decreasing the level of microorganisms in crops. D.Some pesticides target nerves and endocrine cells in the human body.

CHAPTER TEN Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. 10. Which support is not valid for this claim? Vegetables should be carefully washed before eating. A. Pesticide residues have been found in the tissues of infants. B. Pesticide residues can damage body tissues. C. Pesticides help to reduce the spread of disease by decreasing the level of microorganisms in crops. D. Some pesticides target nerves and endocrine cells in the human body. 3 3 Determine whether the evidence is relevant.

CHAPTER TWELVE Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education Inc.31 For more practice, connect to See page 549 of The Effective Reader, 3 rd edition, for specific activities related to Chapter 12.