Evaluating an Argument Answers

Which sentences would be effective thesis statements for a paragraph evaluating an argument? Select two options.

Read the introduction to Dan DeLuca's argument.Bob Dylan is the songwriter who opened up the doors of possibility to all who followed. He was the mysterious bard with a guitar who sent out a clarion call—first as the acoustic Voice of His Generation, then as the plugged-in rocker who remained a master of the unexpected for five decades—that the words pop singers sang were worthy of being taken seriously."Dylan was a revolutionary,” Bruce Springsteen said in his 1988 speech inducting Dylan into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "The way that Elvis freed your body, Bob freed your mind.” Early masterpieces such as "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and "Visions Of Johanna” and "Like A Rolling Stone” fueled a debate: Are rock lyrics poetry?The answer must be yes, because on Thursday, Dylan was awarded the highest honor for a writer: the Nobel Prize in literature. The Swedish Academy, in making him the first American winner since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993, cited him for "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Read the introduction to Samantha's argument.My friends like going to fast food restaurants. It's not that I mind, but I'm a vegan, and these restaurants offer few things that I can eat. Even salads contain ingredients like cheese, eggs, and ham. What's more, there may be cream or gelatin in the dressing. Sometimes all I can do is order something to drink, while my friends enjoy their meals. By not offering vegan meals, fast food restaurants are missing out on additional sales.

Read the introduction to Dan DeLuca's argument.(1) Bob Dylan is the songwriter who opened up the doors of possibility to all who followed. (2) He was the mysterious bard with a guitar who sent out a clarion call—first as the acoustic Voice of His Generation, then as the plugged-in rocker who remained a master of the unexpected for five decades—that the words pop singers sang were worthy of being taken seriously.(3) "Dylan was a revolutionary,” Bruce Springsteen said in his 1988 speech inducting Dylan into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (4) "The way that Elvis freed your body, Bob freed your mind.” (5) Early masterpieces such as "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and "Visions Of Johanna” and "Like A Rolling Stone” fueled a debate: Are rock lyrics poetry?(6) The answer must be yes, because on Thursday, Dylan was awarded the highest honor for a writer: the Nobel Prize in literature. (7) The Swedish Academy, in making him the first American winner since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993, cited him for "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

What is the function of a claim in an argument?

Read this passage from Giovanna's evaluation of an argument claiming that climate change is not affected by human activity.Niemand's article on climate change in the editorial section of today's newspaper offers a weak argument. His reasoning consists of little more than unsubstantiated assertions that climate change is not affected by human activity.In an effective evaluation, which element would follow this statement?

Read Gunther's evaluation of an argument.In his editorial "Better Safe Than Sorry?: Revisiting the Debate over Capital Punishment," Nemo Jones effectively lays out his argument that the death penalty should be abolished. In his thorough examination of the evidence, he presents authoritative case studies of people whose innocence was proven too late and of criminals who were undeterred by thoughts of capital punishment. He examines comprehensive statistics regarding these groups and summarizes years of interviews with officials in government, law enforcement, and the penal system. His final paragraphs contain the most emotionally persuasive evidence, as he relates the lasting effects on the children of those who have been put to death.

What evidence does Lola provide to support her claim? Select two options.

Which claims are supported by relevant evidence? Select two options.

Which option presents a complete and effective evaluation of Dan DeLuca's argument in his article "Dylan's Nobel Prize Settles Debate: Rock Lyrics Are Poetry"?