Lesson · R.3.3
Evaluating an argument
How to break an argument into its claim, evidence, and reasoning, then judge whether the evidence actually holds it up or only sounds persuasive.
ObjectiveR.3.3Read2 minExam weightIntegration of Knowledge and Ideas ≈ 38% of Reading
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See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Break an argument into its claim, evidence, and reasoning.
- Judge whether evidence is relevant, sufficient, and credible rather than merely persuasive.
- Spot rhetorical devices and separate them from actual evidence.
What the lesson concludes
- An argument has a claim, evidence, reasoning, and ideally a response to the opposing view. Identify each part before judging the whole.
- Ask whether evidence is relevant, sufficient, and credible, not just whether it sounds convincing.
- True evidence can still be presented in a misleading way. Check the context the evidence was drawn from, not only its accuracy.
- A rhetorical device persuades without proving anything. Separate it from the actual evidence before you evaluate the argument's strength.