Final answer:
The main argument of a passage is evaluated by analyzing the topic sentence, claims, and supporting evidence. The strength of the argument is assessed based on the relevance, validity, and sufficiency of evidence as well as the presence of logical fallacies or errors in reasoning. A strong argument will have a coherent structure with all elements building towards supporting the thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaluating Arguments and Claims
To determine the main argument of a passage, one must identify the topic sentence and the claim it presents. This topic sentence often introduces the focus of the paragraph and is supported by subsequent evidence, which includes quotations, statistics, or logical reasoning that reinforce the argument. It is critical to consider whether the evidence provided is relevant, valid, and sufficient to substantiate the claims.
To evaluate the argument's strength, one should analyze how well the evidence presented relates to the argument. This involves assessing the quality of the evidence, such as whether it comes from credible sources or if there exist any logical fallacies or errors in reasoning. It is also important to observe if the author has effectively addressed counterarguments and whether the evidence builds towards a convincing conclusion.
In essence, the reasoning and evidence used must create a coherent narrative or a strong architectural structure that supports the thesis. Each body paragraph should support the main argument directly and contribute to proving the thesis with concrete details and a thorough analysis. If the passage contains inconsistencies, lacks supporting details, or fails to address major questions, these deficiencies compromise the argument's effectiveness.