Informational Text

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Informational Text Evaluating an Argument
Feature Menu
Informational Text Connecting to the
Literature Introducing the Informational Text
Vocabulary Informational Reading Focus
Evaluating an Argument Evaluating an
Argument Assignment
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Connecting to the Literature
The Lady or the Tiger? describes a system of
justice in which the fate of the accused is
decided entirely by chance. How fair is our own
system, trial by jury? Read the following
persuasive essay to find out what one expert
thinks.
End of Section
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Introducing the Informational Text
A Defense of the Jury System
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Introducing the Informational Text
A Defense of the Jury System If you were charged
with a crime, would you rather have a jury of
your peers or a panel of judges decide your fate?
Read A Defense of the Jury System for one
authors views on the jury system in our country.
End of Section
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary Development irrational adj. not based
on reason or logic. superficial adj. not deep or
thorough shallow. obscure v. conceal cover
up. advocates v. supports argues in favor
of. conscientiously adv. carefully and
thoughtfully. affluent adj. wealthy.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary Practice Fill in the blanks with words
from the Word Bank.
irrational superficial obscure
conscientiously
1. On rainy days, clouds _________ the
mountaintop view. 2. An _________ argument is
illogical. 3. Sensitive and attentive, the nurse
cared for her patients _____________. 4. Someone
with a _________ view of life might be called
shallow.
obscure
irrational
conscientiously
superficial
End of Section
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Evaluating an Argument
When you read an authors argumenta series of
statements intended to convince you of
somethingyou are like a juror in a trial.
Like a juror, you analyze the evidence presented
and decide whether the argument is sound.
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Evaluating an Argument
Understand the claim, or opinion. Read through
the article to make sure you understand the issue.

• Identify the authors claim, or opinionthe thing
  the author is trying to prove.

• Restate the authors opinion in your own words.

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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
What is the authors claim?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
What is the authors claim?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
Because jurors come from varied backgrounds, the
jury system helps ensure that verdicts are fair.
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Evaluating an Argument
Identify the support. To present persuasive
arguments, an author must support his or her
claims. Look for

• logical appeals

• emotional appeals

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Evaluating an Argument
Logical appeals include reasons and evidence.

• Reasons are statements that explain why the
  author holds an opinion.

• Evidence is the information that authors use to
  support their reasons. Evidence includes

• facts

• statistics (number facts)

• examples

• quotations from or opinions of experts

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Evaluating an Argument
Emotional appeals play on readers emotions
rather than their reason. Emotional appeals
include

• loaded words (words with strong emotional
  connotations)

• anecdotes (brief stories)

Emotional appeals can be effective but shouldnt
be relied on too heavily. Arguments that rely
heavily on emotional appeals rather than logic
are usually weak.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
The author claims that the jury system helps
ensure a fair trial. What support does he present?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
What support does the author present?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
He explains that jurors come from varied
backgrounds.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
Does the author use logical or emotional appeals?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
Does the author use logical or emotional appeals?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
Logical appeals
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Evaluating an Argument
Evaluate the evidence. A good argument must be
backed up by solid evidence. As you read, ask
yourself

• Does the evidence directly support the authors
  reasons?

• Does the author present sufficient evidence to
  back up generalizations and prove the claim?

• Has the author loaded the argument with emotional
  appeals instead of providing valid evidence?

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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
How effective is the authors evidence?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
How effective is the authors evidence?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
The evidence is somewhat effective. Examples
would strengthen the argument.
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Evaluating an Argument
Identify the authors intent. Think about why the
author is making this argument.

• Look for bias, or prejudice, on the part of the
  author.

• Pay attention to how the authors intent, or
  purpose, influences the tone of the argument.

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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
What is the authors intent?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
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Evaluating an Argument
Quick Check
What is the authors intent?
Jurors are drawn from both sexes, all ethnic
groups, all economic backgrounds, all adult ages,
all religions, and all neighborhoods within a
jurisdiction. (Indeed, the only qualification a
person needs to be a juror is the ability to be
fair and impartial.) Consequently, a jury will
reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences,
rather than just the viewpoint and experiences of
a single judge. The jury system thus helps ensure
that a verdict will not be based on an
individuals biases or lack of understanding of
particular peoples experiences. from A
Defense of the Jury System by Thomas M. Ross,
Esq.
To convince the reader that the jury system works.
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Evaluating an Argument
Create a chart. Identify an arguments strengths
and weaknesses.
Evaluating an Authors Argument Evaluating an Authors Argument
Claim or Opinion Claim or Opinion
Logical Appeals Reason 1 Evidence Reason 2 Evidence
Emotional Appeals Loaded Words Anecdotes
Tone Tone
End of Section
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Assignment
As you read A Defense of the Jury System,
evaluate the credibility of the authors
arguments.
Evaluating an Authors Argument Evaluating an Authors Argument
Claim or Opinion Claim or Opinion
Logical Appeals Reason 1 Evidence Reason 2 Evidence
Emotional Appeals Loaded Words Anecdotes
Tone Tone
End of Section
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The End
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Evaluating an Argument
Claim Authors often present their claims in the
form of generalizationsbroad statements that
apply to many situations.
Laws requiring cyclists to wear helmets save
lives.
Tutoring programs help students earn higher
grades and build self-esteem.
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Evaluating an Argument
Loaded words are intended to persuade readers by
appealing to their emotions.
hero
freedom
greed
victim
reckless
survivor
sacrifice
poison
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Evaluating an Argument
Ancedotes personalize an issue and often put a
human face on cold facts.
When my son had a seizure, the 911 operator
really helped me stay calm and focused. She gave
clear instructions and let me know that help was
on the way.
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Evaluating an Argument
Bias is a prejudice toward one side of an issue.

• Unbiased writers carefully weigh the evidence
  before arriving at an opinion.

• Biased writers present only one side of an issue.

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Evaluating an Argument
Intent is the purpose for writing.

• Is the writer trying to inform readers about a
  topic or situation?

• Is the writer trying to persuade readers to
  change their minds or to take action?