2022_심화영어독해와작문

UNIT 5 Reading Strategy: Understanding Evaluating Arguments (p.116) Evaluating arguments is a crucial skill in critical thinking, helping us determine the strength and validity of different claims. Here’s a guide to understanding how to evaluate arguments effectively. What Is an Argument? An argument is a set of statements designed to persuade someone of a conclusion. It consists of: • Premises: statements or reasons supporting the conclusion • Conclusion: the statement that the premises support Steps to Evaluate Arguments 1. Identify the Argument: Clearly identify the premises and the conclusion. 2. Check for Clarity: Ensure the premises and conclusion are clear and understandable. 3. Assess the Relevance of Premises: Determine if the premises are relevant to the conclusion. Relevant premises directly support the conclusion. 4. Check Truth: Check if the premises are true using reliable sources. 5. Determine Logical Connection: Analyze if the conclusion logically follows from the premises. There are two main types of reasoning: • Deductive Reasoning: If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true. Example: Premise: All mammals have lungs. Premise: A whale is a mammal. Conclusion: Therefore, a whale has lungs. • Inductive Reasoning: Premises provide probable support for the conclusion. Example: Premise: The sun has risen every day in recorded history. Conclusion: Therefore, the sun will rise tomorrow. 6. Identify Logical Fallacies: Recognize errors in reasoning that weaken arguments. 7. Consider Counterarguments: Think about possible objections and how they affect the argument’s strength. A strong argument addresses and deals with objections. Evaluating arguments involves identifying premises and conclusions, ensuring clarity, assessing relevance and truth, checking logical connections, spotting fallacies, and considering counterarguments. These steps enhance critical thinking and help assess the strength of arguments. 156 I Reading & Writing Strategies