Evaluating Author Arguments and Claims Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RI.7.8

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

When you are critically evaluating the work of an author you will be required to do some research. This can be done several different ways. If an author cites the work of anyone else to validate their claim, it is pretty easy. View the source that cited and first makes sure it an established authority on the subject and review their work. If the author doesn’t use a source, you should hit the references available to you and find the means to validate it. These worksheets will have students evaluate the work of various authors and look for a means to validate their claims.

Evaluating Arguments and Claims Worksheets To Print:

The Smart Snacking Choice – Time for us to bash processed foods.

To Buy or to Lease? – The author isn't big on leasing cars.

Why I Hate Facebook – This author goes as far to say that social networking can cause you physical harm.

Is Eating Grass Bad for My Dog? – It is definitely harmful to the carpets in my home.

Deconstructing Arguments – You basically trying to outline the author's thoughts.

Get Rich Slowly – Which of the choice arguments does the author make?

Roger's Rabbit – Are the sources of Roger's information appropriate and credible, given his argument? Why or why not?

Author Arguments – Complete the activity below to trace and evaluate the author's argument.

Argument Analysis – There's an old saying: Don't believe everything you read. Read the assigned text.

Is the Argument Sound? – What are the author's reasons? What appeals does the author make to convince the reader?

Following the Tracks – Complete the activity below for the assigned text to trace and evaluate the author's argument.

The Power of Books – Are the author's examples credible? Why? Choose all that apply.

Tracing an Author's Argument – What is the author's claim?

What Do You Think? Evaluating an Argument – You can use this for basically any form of media or literature.

Should You Juice? – The author basically encourages you just to try it.

How Can Authors Validate Their Arguments and Claims?


It is easy for any writer to make a claim but a writer's real job is to provide evidence for that claim. Arguments without any supportive evidence are worthless. To convey his work convincingly to the audience, the writer is bound to provide valid proves of his claim. Selection of a right argument and evidence is essential for the validity and reliability of the claim. To prove his claim, a writer should keep the following points in mind:


Works of Experts


One of the most effective ways to validate a claim is to register scholarly works in the paper. Adding citation of a recognized journal increases the reliability of an author's claim. Use of secondary research is salient to build a dependable claim. If a writer makes a certain claim, then it is the duty of the writer to brace his argument by adding evidence from the known researcher's work. The strength of the claim is based on the quality of scholarly research that is used as secondary research. The author should use a reliable and trust-worthy source of a recognized researcher.


Include Statistics


A writer can also enhance the validity of his work by incorporating reports, surveys, scholarly articles and literature review. For the authenticity of a claim, the writer needs to add numbers and figures in his work. Moreover, the addition of numbers is crucial for the accuracy of the claim.


Reach a Conclusion


One sign of a valid argument is that it always gets to a conclusion. The writer should reach a conclusion after making a strong claim. The conclusion will work as proof and assures that the writer's argument is valid and genuine. It is not necessary that the conclusion is true always but the conclusion that the writer's claim is not ambiguous.


How to Evaluate Claims in a Text


The main purpose of an author to write is to deliver personal ideas to the world. The author usually wants to spread his message and evaluations to the readers through the text. In the process of doing so, the author uses a lot of evidence from the research and work of others. The evaluation of these claims is important. You can evaluate the claims with the help of following tips.


Identify the Author's Purpose


The first step towards evaluating claims in a text is to identify the author's purpose of writing. You need to understand thoroughly why the author wrote the piece. You have to determine the motivation behind the writing. You can research a little on the author's background to find out the reputation he/she holds and what things define the author. It will give you a lot of insight into the text as well.


Determine The Rhetoric Reasoning


Once you have understood the purpose of the author's writing, it is time to give it a thorough read. When you are done reading and comprehending the text, you can start looking for the rhetoric reasoning for evaluation. The rhetoric reasoning means all the claims and evidence that are logical, credible, and give some sort of emotions. These claims are true and have credible sources. If you have determined the rhetoric reasoning in the text, then it is evident that the claims are authentic and logical.


Determine the Fallacious Reasoning


It is also possible for the authors to use fallacious reasoning sometimes. This mostly happens when the author is desperate to make the argument strong and credible. With thorough research and mindful reading, you can easily identify the fallacious reasoning. It will help you a lot in evaluating the claims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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