English 10 / Unit 7: Analyzing Informational Texts and Rhetoric
7.5 Evaluating Evidence and Reasoning
Notes
Good readers judge whether an argument's support is strong.
- Evidence should be relevant (connected to the claim), sufficient (enough of it) and credible (from a reliable source).
- Check for bias: does the author leave out opposing facts? Does the author gain from the claim?
- Loaded language uses strongly emotional words to sway readers without proof ("reckless," "heroic").
- Distinguish fact (can be verified) from opinion (a belief or judgment).
- Example: a soda company's study claiming soda is healthy deserves extra skepticism because of possible bias.
Practice
Which source would likely be the most credible for an article on teen sleep needs?
Peer-reviewed research by experts is most reliable.
An essay claims all teens dislike reading, based on interviews with three friends. The main weakness is:
Three people are not enough to support a claim about all teens.
Which statement is a fact rather than an opinion?
It can be verified.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 7 test.