TEN STEPS to

ADVANCED READING
SECOND EDITION

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SECOND EDITION

TEN STEPS
to

ADVANCED
READING
John Langan

2013 Townsend Press

Chapter 8

ARGUMENT

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Argumentation is part of our everyday dealings

with other people.
In an argument, two parties each present
their supporting evidence.
The goal is to determine who has the more solid
evidence to support his or her point of view.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Wifes
supporting
evidence

In this cartoon, the wifes supporting evidence is simply that the

husband has no say about where they will go for Thanksgiving.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Argumentation is also an important part of much of

what we read. Authors often try to convince us of their
opinions and interpretations.
Very often the most important things we must do as
critical readers are

1 Recognize the point the author is making.

2 Decide if the authors support is relevant.
3 Decide if the authors support is adequate.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

A good argument

is one in which a
point is stated
Support

Support

Support

Point

A Good Argument

and then persuasively

and logically
supported.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Here is a point.
Point: Evidence suggests that men are more
romantic than women.
You may or may not agree with this point.
But suppose the it is followed by these reasons:

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Evidence suggests that men are more

romantic than women.
1 Studies indicate that men fall in love more easily
than women, whereas women fall out of love
more easily than men.
2 In interviews, women are more likely than men to
say they would marry someone they didnt love.
3 Research shows that men hold more romantic
beliefssuch as Love lasts foreverthan
women do.
Clearly, these details provide solid support for the point.
Of course, you might still not agree and want to find
evidence that supports your own view.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Sho
uld
?
d
e
z
i
l
a
g
e
the
l
e
b
s
rriage
a
m
y
dea
a
g
d
l
u
o
h
S
th p
ena
lty
exis
t
Many issues in everyday? life ared?the subject of argument.
t te
i
m
r
pe
e
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g
n
i
l
l
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yk
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c
r
e
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gle li
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efera
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Should
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ie d li
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fe?
es be d
istribu
ted in
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d
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e
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CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Sho
uld
the
d

?
d
e
z
i
l
a
g
e
l
e
b
s
rriage
a
m
y
a
g
d
l
u
eath
o
h
S
pen
altymany other issues, there are no easy
For these and
exis
answers, and arguments
t?about them are bound to persist.
d?
e
t
t
i
rm
e
p
e
b of important issues, we must try
g
Giventhecomplexityofimportantissues,wemusttry
Given the complexity
n
i
l
kil
y
Is sinas we can about them. We
c
r
e
ourbesttothinkasclearlyaswecanaboutthem.
our best
to
think
as
clearly
m
gle li
d
l
u
o
fe think
h decide what we individually
Smust
prefe after close
rable
S
h
to m
ould c
consideration
of
all
the
evidence
available.
arrie
ontrac
d life
eptive
s be di
?
stribut
ed in s
?
d
chools
nne
a
b
?
e
b
s
n
rtio
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a
ld
u
o
h
S

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Here is another example of point and support.

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a
good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline

Not a good way

to discipline

What is your point of view? Is it OK for adults to hit

children at times or not?

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline

Not a good way

to discipline

A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective

way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.
Does statement A support the idea that
hitting children is a good way to discipline
them? Or that it is not a good way to
discipline them?

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline

Not a good way

to discipline

A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective

way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective

way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline

Not a good way

to discipline

A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective

way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are

allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.
Which view does statement B support?

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline
A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective
way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

Not a good way

to discipline
B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are
allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are

allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline
A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective
way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

Not a good way

to discipline
B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are
allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

C. Disciplinary methods other than spanking,

such
as a time out, withdrawing a privilege, or
reasoning with the child, just drag out the
punishment.
Its better
to just get
it over with.
Which
view does
statement
C support?

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline
A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective
way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

Not a good way

to discipline
B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are
allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

C.Disciplinary methods other than spanking, such

as a time out, withdrawing a privilege, or
reasoning with the child, just drag out the
punishment. Its better to just get it over with.

C. Disciplinary methods other than spanking,

such
as a time out, withdrawing a privilege, or
reasoning with the child, just drag out the
punishment. Its better to just get it over with.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline
A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective
way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

Not a good way

to discipline
B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are
allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

C.Disciplinary methods other than spanking, such

as a time out, withdrawing a privilege, or
reasoning with the child, just drag out the
punishment. Its better to just get it over with.

D. Children who are spanked learn that hitting is the

appropriate response to anger. They are likely to
become violent adults, to abuse their partners,
and to hit and even abuse their own children.
Which view does statement D support?

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

Point: Hitting children at times is (or is not) a

good way to discipline them.
A good way to
discipline

Not a good way

to discipline

A. Hitting a child is the quickest and most effective

way to let the child know that he or she has done
wrong.

B. Hitting a child teaches him that bigger people are

allowed to hurt smaller people. This can lead to
the child becoming a bully to smaller children.

C.Disciplinary methods other than spanking, such

as a time out, withdrawing a privilege, or
reasoning with the child, just drag out the
punishment. Its better to just get it over with.

D. Children who are spanked learn that hitting is the

appropriate response to anger. They are likely to
become violent adults, to abuse their partners,
and to hit and even abuse their own children.

D. Children who are spanked learn that hitting is the

appropriate response to anger. They are likely to
become violent adults, to abuse their partners,
and to hit and even abuse their own children.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

The Basics of Argument: Point and Support

The Point and Support of an Argument

Support: Reasons

Support: Examples

Point
Support: Facts

The aim is to
construct a valid
argument

Valid Argument

one supported by
logical facts,
examples, reasons,
or other evidence.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support
Once you identify the point and support of an
argument, you need to decide if each piece of evidence is
relevantin other words, if it really applies to the point.

Relevant
Support

is

Support that
really applies
to the point

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

In their desire to win an argument, people often

bring up irrelevant support. For example, in asking you
to vote for him, a political
candidate might say, Ill vote to lower your taxes.
Point:
Support:

You should elect me.

t forvlower taxes.
Ill o
vote
N

le
e
R
t
n
a

Problem: Lower taxes not possible

because of the states
financial problems.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Which of the statements below is relevant

support for this point about sharks and humans?
Point: Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more
to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
A. Some species of sharks are able to detect as little
as one part per million of blood in seawater.
B. Shark-fin soup is considered a great delicacy in
the Far East, and hundreds of thousands of sharks
have been slaughtered simply for their fins.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Point: Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more

to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
A. Some species of sharks are able to detect as little
as one part per million of blood in seawater.
B. Shark-fin soup is considered a great delicacy in
the Far East, and hundreds of thousands of sharks
have been slaughtered simply for their fins.
The fact that so many sharks have been
slaughtered is relevant support for the idea that
sharks should fear humans.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Point: Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more

to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
A. Some species of sharkst are able to detect as little
Noof blood
as one part per million
lev in seawater.

Re t
an

B. Shark-fin soup is considered a great delicacy in

the Far East, and hundreds of thousands of sharks
have been slaughtered simply for their fins.
Statement A is an interesting fact about sharks,
but it does not support that idea that humans are
a threat to them.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Which of these two statements below is

relevant support for the point about sharks
and
humans?
Point:
Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more
to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
C. Some populations of large sharks have fallen by
as much as 90 percent due to accelerated fishing
activities in recent decades.
D. Sharks can range in size from hand-sized pygmy
sharks to plankton-eating whale sharks which
grow to a maximum length of 49 feet.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Point: Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more

to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
C. Some populations of large sharks have fallen by
as much as 90 percent due to accelerated fishing
activities in recent decades.
D. Sharks can range in size from hand-sized pygmy
sharks to plankton-eating whale sharks which
grow to a maximum length of 49 feet.
The fact that fishing has caused a some shark
populations to fall is relevant support for the idea
that sharks should fear humans.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Point: Despite their fearsome image, sharks have more

to fear from humans than humans do from sharks.
C. Some populations of large sharks have fallen by
as much as 90 percent due to accelerated fishing
activities in recent decades.
D. Sharks can range in size from hand-sized pygmy
t whale
sharks to plankton-eating
sharks which
o
v
N
leof 49 feet.
e
grow to a maximum length
R

t
n
a

Statement D is not relevant because it only

describes the range of size of sharks.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Shark populations
reduced by fishing

Sharks slaughtered
for their fins

The statements
about sharks being Humans are a danger to sharks
slaughtered for their
fins and their
numbers being
reduced by fishing

Relevant Support

offer support that

really applies to the
point that humans
are a danger to
sharks.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Relevant Support

Sharks detect small

amounts of blood

The statements that

sharks can detect
small amounts of
blood and that they
vary greatly in size

do not support
the point that
humans are a
danger to sharks.Hu

m
an

ar
e

Sharks vary in size

umans are a danger to sharks

Support That Is Not Relevant

da
ng
er

to

sh
ar
k

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support
A valid argument must include not only relevant
support but also adequate supportin other words,
support substantial enough to prove the point

Adequate
Support

is

Support
substantial
enough to
prove the point

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Point: Abortion is wrong.

Support: MyNsister had an abortion and
o
t it ever since.
has regretted
Ad
eq
ua
It would not be valid totargue
e Abortion is wrong if

this were ones only support. Such an important issue

would require more support than the attitude and
experience of a single relative.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Read these four supporting reasons.

Support:
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses distracted
manner to stress at work.
An unhappily married man or woman might attribute a distracted
manner to a decline in affection.
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses
unexpected gift to a desire to show love.
An unhappily married man or woman might consider an
unexpected gift as evidence of guilt about something.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Support:
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses distracted
manner to stress at work.
An unhappily married man or woman might attribute a distracted
manner to a decline in affection.
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses
unexpected gift to a desire to show love.
An unhappily married man or woman might consider an
unexpected gift as evidence of guilt about something.

Which point do the above reasons adequately

A. Men or women who surprise their partners with gifts have probably
support?
been cheating on them.
B. Happily and unhappily married spouses tend to interpret their
partners behaviors differently.
C. Spouses should give each other gifts more often.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Support:
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses distracted
manner to stress at work.
An unhappily married man or woman might attribute a distracted
manner to a decline in affection.
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses
unexpected gift to a desire to show love.
An unhappily married man or woman might consider an
unexpected gift as evidence of guilt about something.

Point:

A. Men or women who surprise their partners with gifts have probably
been cheating on them.
B. Happily and unhappily married spouses tend to interpret their
partners behaviors differently.

All of the supporting items back up the idea that

one partners interpretation of the other partners
behavior can be influenced by whether they are

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Support:
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses distracted
manner to stress at work.
An unhappily married man or woman might attribute a distracted
manner to a decline in affection.
A happily married man or woman might attribute a spouses
unexpected gift to a desire to show love.
An unhappily married man or woman might consider an
unexpected gift as evidence of guilt about something.

Point:

Notheir
t partners with gifts have probably
A. Men or women who surprise
A
been cheating on them.dequately
Suppor
te
spouses
tend to interpret their
B. Happily and unhappily married
d
partners behaviors differently.
other gifts more often.
C. Spouses should give each N
ot
Adequa
tely
Suppor
ted

Happily and unhappily married spouses tend to

interpret their partners behaviors diferently.
Unhappily married
considers unexpected gift
evidence of guilt

Happily marriedattributes
unexpected gift as show
of love

Unhappily married
attributes distracted manner
to decline in afection

Happily marriedattributes
spouse's distraction to
stress at work

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

A valid argument

Adequate Support
must have
support that is
substantial enough
to prove the point.

If the evidence
Unhappily married
considers unexpected gift
evidence of guilt

Happily marriedattributes
unexpected gift as show
of love

Unhappily married
attributes distracted manner
to decline in afection

Happily marriedattributes
spouse's distraction to
stress at work

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Spouses should give each other gifts more often.

is insufficient
to support the
argument

Support That Is Not Adequate

Unhappily married
considers unexpected gift
evidence of guilt

Happily marriedattributes
unexpected gift as show
of love

Unhappily married
attributes distracted manner
to decline in afection

Happily marriedattributes
spouse's distraction to
stress at work

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

Spouses should give each other gifts more often.

the point will

not stand.

Support That Is Not Adequate

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Adequate Support

e
or
m

te
of
n.

Happily marriedattributes
unexpected gift as show
of love

s
ift
rg

The argument is
not valid.

he
ot

the point
ch
a
Spouses should give
each
other
gifts
more
often.
ee
not stand.
v
i
g
ld
u
ho
s
s
se
u
o
Sp

Support That Is Not Adequate

will

CHAPTER 8 Argument

A Note on Argument in Textbook

Writing

In most textbook writing,

argument takes the form
of well-developed ideas or
theories.

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Argument in Textbook Writing

Argume
nt
:

Welldeveloped
ideas or
theories

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Argument in Textbook Writing

Welldeveloped
ideas or
theories

Argume
nt
Support for
:

the argument
takes the form
of

Experimen
ts

Expert
Testimony

Surveys

Reasons

Studies

Examples

Other
Evidence

CHAPTER 8 Argument

Argument in Textbook Writing

rt:

Welldeveloped
ideas or
theories

Argume
nt
:
Experimen
ts
Expert
Testimony

Surveys

Reasons

Relevant?

Studies

Examples

Other
Evidence

Adequate?

Recognizing the authors points and asking yourself

whether the support is relevant and adequate will help
you be an involved and critical reader.

CHAPTER 8 Argument