TRACING &

EVALUATING AN
ARGUMENT
FOUR PICS, ONE WORD
FOUR PICS, ONE WORD
FOUR PICS, ONE WORD
FOUR PICS, ONE WORD
 Types of Support

There are several types of support for an argument,

but let’s look at the basics:

Reasons Evidence

Statements that explain Specific facts,

or prove your position examples, information.
on something.
 How to TRACE an ARGUMENT

Step 1: State your claim.

What is your position on a

particular subject?

Your claim needs to be clear and singular.

DO NOT ARGUE WITH YOURSELF IN A PAPER BY CLAIMING
BOTH SIDES OF AN ARGUMENT
How to TRACE an ARGUMENT

Step 2: Look for reasons and evidence.

Find the support that backs

up your argument/claim.
How to TRACE an ARGUMENT

Step 3: Figure out how to connect the

claim with your support.
How can you connect each idea?

Reasons
CLAIM
Evidence
How to TRACE an ARGUMENT

Step 4: Identify counter-arguments.

(Statements that have opposite viewpoints)

How would people argue

against your claim?
 How to TRACE an ARGUMENT

Step 5: Refute the counter-arguments.

(why are the counter arguments wrong or
irrelevant?)
How will you answer their
counterpoint?
 How to EVALUATE
an Argument
Think about the writing you do here in the classroom—
Does your argument make sense and
have convincing reasons and evidence?

Can you show opposing arguments

on the topic and refute them?

What other details can you use to build

a convincing argument?
 PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES

Persuasive techniques are used to get people to believe

your argument or claim. There are three major types:

ETHOS: LOGOS: PATHOS:

(Credibility/Character) (Logic) (Emotion)

This appeal brings in This appeal brings in This appeal brings in

reliable experts or acts raw statistics or facts emotions to connect
as proof that the to backup the with the audience, like
author/speaker is an argument. fear, happiness, or
expert in the topic. guilt.
Here’s an EXAMPLE!
By Mr. Kyle Deminie

 Thor is the best Avenger. He is the son of

Odin, literally the Norse God of Asgard,
which means his hero-ness is more credible
since he was born as one, not becoming
one through riches or creepy science
experiments. He understands his powers
come from his behavior, as he lost them for
a while when he was acting badly, unlike
Hulk, who only has powers when he is
unstable emotionally. He has an amazing
accent which makes people want to listen to
him and do what he says. For these
reasons, Thor is the best Avenger.
 TRACE IT!

CLAIM?
“Thor is the best Avenger.”

SUPPORT?
Evidence — “He is the son of Odin, literally the
Norse God of Asgard.”
Reasons — “which means his hero-ness is more
credible since he was born as one...”
Counter-Argument — “unlike Hulk, who only has powers
when he is unstable emotionally.”
 CLASS DEBATE

OPENNING - 7 MINUTES

REBUTTAL - 5 MINUTES

RESPONSE - 3 MINUTES
 TRACE IT MORE!

 Thor is the best Avenger. He is the son of Odin,

literally the Norse God of Asgard, which means his
REASON: hero-ness is more credible since he was born as
one, not becoming one through riches or creepy
science experiments. He understands his powers
come from his behavior, as he lost them for a while
when he was acting badly, unlike Hulk, who only
COUNTER: has powers when he is unstable emotionally. He
has an amazing accent which makes people want to
listen to him and do what he says. For these
reasons, Thor is the best Avenger.
PATHOS
 EVALUATE IT

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER?

 Does the evidence support the claim?
 Do the ideas make sense?
 Has the counter-argument been addressed?
 What persuasive techniques does the
author/speaker use?
Do’s and Don’ts

 Do answer the prompt

 Don’t focus on just one article
 Do use evidence such as facts or expert opinion
 Don’t rely on philosophy
 Do use professional academic language
 Don’t ever use first or second person!
 Do be respectful of the counter-argument
 Don’t resort to name calling!
 Do be thorough (at least 300-500 words)
 Don’t be general in your points
Quick Quiz

1. What is an argument?
2. What are the five steps to evaluating
an argument?
3. What is ethos?
4. What is pathos?
5. What is logos?
 Answers

1. What is an argument? An argument is a claim supported

by reasons and evidence.
2. What are the five steps to evaluating an argument?
1. Identify claim
2. Evaluate support
3. Connects Support to claim
4. What is counter argument?
5. Refute the counter argument
3. What is ethos? Ethos shows Credibility.
4. What is pathos? Pathos uses Emotion.
5. What is logos? Logos is the use of Logic and facts.
Except NEVER
use first or
second
person!!!!