Evaluating a Speaker's Argument
Aligned to SL.7.3 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
When someone argues a point, break their argument into claims, then judge whether the reasoning makes sense and the evidence actually supports it.
Worked examples
Example 1
A speaker says, 'We should cancel recess — kids fall down.' Claim: cancel recess. Reason: injuries. But is the evidence strong? A few scrapes don't outweigh exercise — the reasoning is weak.
Example 2
'Three students were hurt this year' is a number. 'Three out of 900, versus twenty from inactivity' is an argument.
Example 3
A speaker who answers a question you did not ask has usually noticed their weakest point before you did.
Practice questions
- Listen to a short persuasive speech or ad and state its main claim.
- Identify one reason or piece of evidence the speaker gives.
- Judge whether that evidence truly supports the claim, and explain why or why not.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Evaluar el argumento de un orador
Cuando alguien defiende una idea, separa su argumento en afirmaciones y juzga si el razonamiento tiene sentido y si la evidencia de verdad lo respalda.
Ejemplo 1: Un orador dice: 'Hay que quitar el recreo — los niños se caen.' Afirmación: quitar recreo. Razón: lesiones. ¿Es fuerte la evidencia? Unos raspones no superan el ejercicio; el razonamiento es débil.
Ejemplo 2: 'Tres estudiantes se lastimaron este año' es un número. 'Tres de 900, contra veinte por falta de actividad' es un argumento.
Ejemplo 3: Alguien que responde una pregunta que no hiciste normalmente ya notó su punto más débil antes que tú.
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