Final answer:
To evaluate a text's argument, first identify the author's claim to understand the main argument and purpose. Then, assess the supporting evidence and the argument's logical structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you review a text to evaluate its argument, the first thing you must do is identify the author's claim. Identifying the claim is essential as it sets the foundation for understanding the author's main argument and purpose of the text. The claim is often stated in the introduction or abstract of a text. Look for key claims using phrases like "I aim to show," "What this chapter will demonstrate," or "The purpose of this work is."
After identifying the claim, you can evaluate the supporting evidence and methods the author uses to bolster the argument. This involves looking at the logical structure of the argument, the types and sources of evidence presented, and the effectiveness of the evidence in supporting the claim. It's also crucial to assess whether the evidence presented is adequate and whether the methods of argumentation are sound.
Engaging critically with the text and asking questions like "What is the author assuming I will agree with?" or "Does the author adequately defend her argument?" will allow for a deeper understanding of the argument and an evaluation of its strength and validity.