Evaluating Reasoning and Support

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • analyze the reasoning and evidence an author provides to support a claim or argument.
  • evaluate the logic of an argument and the strength of its evidence.

Introduction
An author's argument is a claim supported by evidence—reasons for a reader to believe what he or she claims is true, or at least makes sense. Evidence may be personal experiences, examples, studies or reports, statistics, or expert opinions. It is up to the reader to evaluate the strength of the evidence. Does the author provide enough evidence? Is it valid? Does it really support the claim? And, even if you do not agree, does it make sense?

Exercises
Read the passage "Science Fiction," and then answer the questions that follow.


1.
What is the author's claim?
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • The claim is that Doctor Who is the greatest sci-fi show of all time.
  • The author's claim is that the greatest sci-fi show of all time is Doctor Who.
1.
 

2.
What opposing claim does the author mention in the first paragraph?
 

Student Responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • Some people say that Star Trek is the greatest sci-fi show of all time.
  • Some people think Star Trek is the greatest sci-fi show of all time.
2.
 

Choose the letter of each correct answer.
3.
Which technique does the author use to support his claim?
a. personal opinions   b. expert opinions
c. survey results   d. scientific studies
 
a. personal opinions
3.
 

4.
What could the author include to better improve his argument?
a. personal statements from Star Trek about why they think it is the best sci-fi show
b. facts about the different actors who have played the Doctor over the years
c. survey results showing the majority of people asked named Doctor Who the best sci-fi show
d.

expert opinions from sci-fi writers about the best episodes of any sci-fi show since TV began
 
c. survey results showing the majority of people asked named Doctor Who the best sci-fi show
4.
 

Write the answers to the following questions in the spaces provided.
5.
Is the author's claim reasonable—whether or not you agree with it, does it make sense? Explain your reasoning.
 
Answers will vary. Accept any answer a student can justify. Possible answers include:
  • Yes, I have seen it and agree and the author explained that it has been running a long time, so many people like it.
  • No, just because a show runs for a long time and has interesting stories does not mean that it is the greatest of all time, it may be very good but not necessarily the best.
5.
 

6.

It has imaginative stories and fabulous special effects that add to the story, not overshadow it.

Is the statement above an example of strong, logical evidence for the author's claim? Explain your answer.
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • No, it just states an opinion; other shows have good stories and special effects, so the statement does not back up saying that one show is the best of all time.
  • No, this is just an opinion. Many shows have good stories and special effects, so it does not support one show being the best of all time.
6.
 

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     Some people say that Star Trek is the greatest sci-fi show of all time. I disagree. I believe the greatest sci-fi show of all time is Doctor Who.
     The original Star Trek debuted on America TV in 1966 and ran for three seasons. Doctor Who premiered on British TV in 1963 and ran for 26 years . . . until 1989! It returned in 2005 and is still running. As of 2012, the series was, or had been, broadcast weekly in about 50 countries. Only a really great show can keep people interested for that long!
     Basically, Doctor Who is about a humanoid alien known only as "The Doctor," who travels through space and time in his "blue box," a time machine known as the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space). It looks like an old-fashioned British police box like the ones commonly seen in Britain in the 1960s, when the series began. On his trips, the Doctor usually has a companion who helps him as he endeavors to help people, right wrongs, and save civilizations. Episodes can make you laugh, cry, and shiver at the same time as the dreaded Daleks or Cybermen return to fight the Doctor, only to be defeated. The Doctor's face may change, because the character regenerates and emerges as a new actor, but the heart of the show has remained the same.
     Whovians, as fans are called, come in all age groups. In fact many families watch the show together; the adventure and humor appeal to children and adults alike. It has imaginative stories and fabulous special effects that add to the story, not overshadow it. If you have not seen Doctor Who, check it out on the Internet; chances are you will agree that it is the best sci-fi show ever!


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