Part Four:Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing
Chapter 15:Critical Thinking: Reading and
Writing Arguments
PowerPoint by Sarah Gilliam, Instructor of English
Mountain Empire Community College
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
In Concert:An Integrated Reading and Writing Approach
by Kathleen T. McWhorter
Chapter 15: Critical Thinking: Reading and Writing Arguments
In this chapter, you will learn how to:
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 5
Goal 4
Understand the use of argument
Recognize the parts of an argument
Read an argument effectively
Think critically about arguments
Write argument paragraphs
Write argument essaysGoal 6
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
An argument is a line of reasoning intended to persuade a reader or listener to agree with a particular viewpoint or action.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 1: Understand the Use of Argument
An Argument Contains:
• An Issue
• A Claim
• Support
• Refutation
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 2: Recognize the Parts of an Argument
Recognizing types of supporting evidence is crucial in reading an argument effectively.
What are some types of supporting evidence?
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 3: Read an Argument Effectively
What are strategies for reading arguments
effectively?
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 3: Read an Argument Effectively
Critical Thinking Strategies for Argument:
1. Evaluating Evidence
2. Examining Opposing Viewpoints
3. Considering Emotional Appeals
4. Identifying Errors in Reason
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 4: Think Critically About Arguments
Helpful Tips:
• Review the paragraph writing strategies from Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of your textbook.
• Topic sentences in an argument paragraph should identify the issue and state the author’s claim about the issue.
• Support your position with evidence and reasons.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 5: Write Argument Paragraphs
Helpful Tip:
• Review the essay writing techniques from Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 of the textbook.
What are some strategies specifically for writing argument essays?
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 6: Write Argument Essays
Goal 1: Understand the Use of Argument
Review Questions
Fill in the Blank:
An argument is a line of reasoning intended to _____________ a reader or listener to agree with a particular viewpoint or action.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 1: Understand the Use of Argument
Review Questions
Fill in the Blank:
An argument is a line of reasoning intended to persuade a reader or listener to agree with a particular viewpoint or action.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 2: Recognize the Parts of an Argument
Review Questions
Which of the following does an argument NOT always contain?
A. Claim
B. Refutation
C. Support
D. Issue
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 2: Recognize the Parts of an Argument
Review Questions
Which of the following does an argument NOT always contain?
A. Claim
B. Refutation
C. Support
D. Issue
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 3: Read an Argument EffectivelyReview Questions
True or False:
Identifying the author’s claim and any supporting evidence is not reading the argument effectively.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 3: Read an Argument EffectivelyReview Questions
True or False:
False: Identifying the author’s claim and any supporting evidence is not reading the argument effectively.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 4: Think Critically About Arguments
Review Questions
Which of the following is an effective strategy for thinking critically about arguments?
A. Examining other views
B. Evaluating the evidence
C. Finding errors in logic
D. All of the above
E. None of the above
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 4: Think Critically About Arguments
Review Questions
Which of the following is an effective strategy for thinking critically about arguments?
A. Examining other views
B. Evaluating the evidence
C. Finding errors in logic
D. All of the above
E. None of the above
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 5: Write Argument ParagraphsReview Questions
Fill in the Blank:
____________ _____________ in an argument paragraph should identify the issue and state the author’s claim about the issue.
Copyright@ 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 5: Write Argument ParagraphsReview Questions
Fill in the Blank:
Topic sentences in an argument paragraph should identify the issue and state the author’s claim about the issue.
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 6: Write Argument EssaysReview Questions
Which of the following is NOT one of the types of audience?
A. Those who agree
B. Those who disagree
C. Those who agree and disagree strongly
D. Neutral audiences
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Goal 6: Write Argument EssaysReview Questions
Which of the following is NOT one of the types of audience?
A. Those who agree
B. Those who disagree
C. Those who agree and disagree strongly
D. Neutral audiences
Copyright 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.