To effectively trace an argument, use the following strategies:

Question

1. _________________________: Sometimes the
_______________ is not ______________ stated. You may need to
ask yourself, “ What is the __________________ ______________
on the topic?”
2. ____________________________: What ________________
does the author make in _____________________ of his/her claim?
3. ____________________________: Keep track of what the author
uses to __________________ each reason. Opinions should
_____________ be used as evidence.

Answer 1

To effectively trace an argument, use the following strategies:

1. Identify the Main Claim: Sometimes the main claim is not explicitly stated. You may need to ask yourself, “What is the central argument on the topic?”

2. Examine Supporting Evidence: What evidence does the author make in support of his/her claim?

3. Analyze the Reasoning: Keep track of what the author uses to support each reason. Opinions should not be used as evidence.