Decoding Arguments - Unveiling Strengths, Weaknesses, and Influences

1. Decoding Arguments - Unveiling Strengths, Weaknesses, and Influences

DECODING ARGUMENTS UNVEILING STRENGTHS,
WEAKNESSES, AND
INFLUENCES

2. Lesson objectives

Identify: Recognize strengths and weaknesses of
different arguments based on logic, evidence, and
language.
Analyze: Explain the different influences that can
affect the selection, presentation, and interpretation of
evidence in an argument.
Evaluate: Critically assess how these influences shape
the overall persuasiveness and validity of an
argument.
LESSON OBJECTIVES

3. Assessment criteria

Recognize strengths and weaknesses of
different arguments
Explain the different influences of an
argument
Critically assess how the influences
shape an argument
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

4. Brainstorming

What makes a good argument?
Have you ever changed your mind
because of someone's words?
How can we tell if an argument is
truthful?
BRAINSTORMING

5.

Role of Arguments: "Arguments are
everywhere! They help us make decisions,
understand different perspectives, and
form informed opinions.“
Critical Evaluation: "Not all arguments are
created equal. It's important to evaluate
them carefully to assess their strength and
validity."

6. Activity text: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses.

Identify the main claim and supporting arguments.
Analyze the logic and reasoning used (e.g., fallacies,
assumptions or assertions).
Evaluate the strengths and influences of the argument
(e.g., clear message, strong evidence).
Identify potential weaknesses (e.g., subjective
language, biased sources, missing evidence).
ACTIVITY TEXT: IDENTIFYING
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.

7.

Author's
perspective: The
background,
beliefs, and values
of the person
presenting the
argument.
Source credibility: The
reliability and
trustworthiness of the
information sources
used to support the
argument.
Impact: Can influence
the perceived validity
of the argument
depending on the
source's reputation and
expertise.
Example: Citing a
personal blog instead of
a peer-reviewed
scientific study on
climate change can
weaken the argument's
credibility.
Emotional appeals: Using
strong emotions like fear,
anger, or sympathy to
persuade the audience
rather than focusing on logic
and evidence.
Impact: Can cloud
judgment and sway
people based on
feelings instead of
careful analysis.
Example: An
advertisement using
shocking images of
animal cruelty to
promote vegetarianism
without presenting
balanced information
about ethical meat
production.
Impact: Can lead to
biased selection of
evidence or
interpretation of data
to support their
opinion.
Example: A sports
journalist with a history
of favoring a specific
team might use
selectively chosen
statistics to make their
case.

8.

Author's
perspective: The
background,
beliefs, values of
the person
presenting the
argument.
Impact: Can lead to
biased selection of
evidence or
interpretation of data
to support their
opinion.
Example: A sports
journalist with a history
of favoring a specific
team might use
selectively chosen
statistics to make their
case.
Selective data:
Presenting only specific
data that supports the
argument while ignoring
contradicting evidence.
Framing of information:
Presenting information in a
particular way to shape the
audience's perception and
opinion.
Impact: Can influence
how people interpret
the evidence and
draw conclusions.
Example: Using loaded
language or
emphasizing specific
aspects of an event to
paint a positive or
negative light on a
particular issue.
Impact: Creates an
incomplete or
misleading
picture, hindering a
well-rounded
understanding of the
issue.
Example: A politician
highlighting only crime
statistics from specific
neighborhoods to push
for harsher policies
without acknowledging
broader social factors.

9. Write examples for the key terms

Author's perspective
Source credibility
Emotional appeals
Selective data
Framing of information
WRITE EXAMPLES FOR THE KEY TERMS

10. Unveiling Hidden Forces. Text/speech

Influences on Evidence in Arguments.
Author's perspective
Source credibility
Emotional appeals
Selective data
Framing of information
UNVEILING HIDDEN FORCES.
TEXT/SPEECH

11. Facilitation and Critical Thinking:

How do these influences potentially affect the
persuasiveness of each argument?
Is it possible to completely eliminate these influences,
or how can we be aware of them when evaluating
arguments?
What other potential influences might be present in
different types of arguments (e.g., advertising, social
media posts)?
FACILITATION AND CRITICAL THINKING:

12. Reflection

What skills did you learn or improve during this
activity?
How can you apply this knowledge to analyze
arguments you encounter in everyday life?
Share a real-world example where understanding
these concepts might be helpful.
REFLECTION