Evaluating an Argument
Aligned to RI.9-10.8 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Break an argument into its claim, reasons, and evidence, then judge whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient.
Worked example
A writer argues a curfew cuts crime because crime fell after one was set; the evidence is relevant but insufficient, since other causes like extra patrols went untested.
Practice questions
- Separate a text's main claim from its supporting reasons.
- Judge whether one piece of evidence is relevant and sufficient.
- Identify a gap or unproven assumption in the reasoning.
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 un argumento
Descompón un argumento en su afirmación, razones y evidencia, y juzga si el razonamiento es válido y la evidencia es pertinente y suficiente.
Ejemplo: Un autor sostiene que un toque de queda reduce el delito porque el delito bajó después de imponerlo; la evidencia es pertinente pero insuficiente, pues no se probaron otras causas, como más patrullas.
More Reading: Informational lessons
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