Five Steps to Assess the Reasoning and Evidence Used to Support the Author’s Claims

Click on a box to explore each topic.

Step 1

Identify the author's claim.

Step 2

Identify the supporting evidence.

Step 3

Determine the type/validity of evidence – ethos, pathos or logos.

Step 4

Determine the relevance of the evidence and if it has a valid connection with the claim.

Step 5

Determine if the author acknowledges counter-claims or points of views and refutes the counter-claims with reasoning and evidence.