University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
ENGL 355 | Writing About Literature
Academic year:

2020
Views:

459

Pages:

1
Author:

Hallie Randolph

Summary of Evaluating Author’s Argument ASPECT TO EVALUATE Identify the Issue Author’s Argument Assumptions Types of support Relevance of the Support Author’s Objectivity vs Subjectivity Argument’s Completeness Argument is valid Argument is credible DEFINITION/EXAMPLES Issue means the controversial topic the author is discussing An author’s argument is the opinion or belief that he or she wants to persuade readers to believe The author’s argument is his or her point of view on an issue An author’s assumptions consist of things the author takes for granted without presenting any proof (in other words, what the author believes or accepts as true and bases the argument on). * If the author’s assumptions are illogical or incorrect, the entire argument will be flawed Types of support refers to the kind of evidence the author uses to back up the argument. Support can include research findings, case studies, personal experience or observation, examples, facts, comparisons, expert testimony and opinions Relevance means the support is directly related to the argument *“Is the support directly related to the argument?” *Unless the author is an expert, his or her opinion or personal experience may not be particularly relevant. The author’s argument has objectivity when the support consists of facts/findings/statistics/ case studies/ expert testimony and other clear evidence. The author’s argument is subjective when the support only consist of personal opinion and therefore affected by author’s personal belief and judgment. An argument is complete if the author presents adequate support, consider opposing views and provide counter argument to opposing points. * Sometimes they leave out information that would weaken their argument. Their argument would be complete if they presented it and provide counter argument. An argument is valid (has validity) if it is logical. The argument must be supported by evidence which is relevant and verifiable. An argument has credibility if it is believable (convincing). *can you trust the author? *Can the sources be trusted? *Are there any external sources? *Is the list of references provided?