Argument Analysis
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1. Identify the principal issue presented by the source.
2. Identify any examples of bias presented by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.
3. Identify any areas that are vague or ambiguous. If none exist, explain how you determined this.
4. Do you find the source credible? Explain your reasoning.
5. Identify and name any rhetorical devices used by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.
6. Identify and name any fallacies used by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.
7. State one argument made by the author.
8. Identify the premises and conclusion of the argument.
9. Is the author's argument valid or invalid, sound or unsound, strong or weak? Explain how you determined this.
10. Does the author use moral reasoning? If not, explain how you determined this.
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Solution Summary
Argument Analysis on an article regarding drinking and driving.
Solution Preview
Here are my notes on the article. I hope these help you as you develop your own answers about the book review.
1. Identify the principal issue presented by the source.
The principal issue presented by the source in this book review is focus less on "drunk driving" and more on drinking and driving, separately. You might want to add that the author (of the initial article and of the book review) feel as though by looking at these two activities separately, then drunk driving will be subsequently reduced as well. Another issue the article claims to be significant as well is the weaken links between drinking and driving.
2. Identify any examples of bias presented by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.
One example of bias is the statement that "to deter drunk drivers, we need to stress enforcement of our current laws, which are sufficiently severe." It could definitely be argued that our current laws are not sufficient and this is his opinion. Another example is "to reduce drinking, alcohol prices need to be raised." Making this blanket statement is biased. There could be other ways to reduce drinking, for ...
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