3. What to write in each body paragraph
1. Identify author‟s claim
• Paraphrase (Ex) or Quote (not more than a phrase)
2. Explain this claim: Use your own words.
• What does he mean by this?
3. Answer the Qn: Make your stand:
• Do you agree / disagree? (R)
• Is it applicable to Singapore? (R)
4. Evaluate argument
• Is his reasoning sound / valid? (Ev)
• Is it applicable to Singapore? (Ev)
5. Exemplify with evidence from Singapore. (R+ Ev)
6. Reiterate point that answers the question.
NOT: why does he
say this?
4. 4
Street-Porter highlights that although people do not enjoy their
work, they put up with “all of the crap” because work provides
income for people to then spend on luxuries and rewards (para
4).
1. IDENTIFYING AUTHOR‟S CLAIM
In addition, Street-Porter points out that for many people, work
now takes top priority in their lives and we do not have time left
(para 5).
5. 5
1. IDENTIFYING AUTHOR‟S CLAIM
• According to (writer‟s last
name)…
• Reeves raised the point that…
• Reeves asserted that…
• Reeves‟ view that …
• In his article, Reeves claimed
that…
(State the point you have
chosen to discuss).
Note: It is a good practice cite
where the argument is found
in the passage ie (para 4) or
(line 45)
6. 6
1. Why should I PARAPHRASE THE CLAIM?
WHY? If paraphrased accurately, you will, in
essence also be EXPLAINING the key
terms used by the author.
If you are able to accurately TRANSLATE a phrase into another
language, you effectively demonstrate that you UNDERSTAND the
essence of the phrase.
7. 7
Hey!. I just met you. This is
crazy. And here‟s my number.
So call me, maybe.
--- Carly Rae Jepson
Paraphrased:
When NOT to paraphrase
8. 8
1. WHICH CLAIMS DO I IDENTIFY?
Basically, the points must be arguments that ideally support
the author‟s overall thesis, and not random detail.
Tip: Have a look at the summary question; it usually asks
you to pick out the passage‟s main ideas.
.
10. Select the main arguments:
• Suroweicki claims that the Amish are a content and
optimistic group of people.
• The author believes that there is something “inherently
unstable” about people‟s perceptions of their well-being.
• Suroweicki highlights that we very quickly take new
technological advances for granted and soon find them
“mundane” or even a source of frustration.
• The author believes that buying a 70-inch plasma
television will ensure that our satisfaction levels do not
drop for the next few years.
10
11. Select the main arguments:
• Suroweicki claims that the Amish are a content and
optimistic group of people.
• The author believes that there is something “inherently
unstable” about people‟s perceptions of their well-being.
• Suroweicki highlights that we very quickly take new
technological advances for granted and soon find them
“mundane” or even a source of frustration.
• The author believes that buying a 70-inch plasma
television will ensure that our satisfaction levels do not
drop for the next few years.
11
12. 3 AQ Evaluation Strategies:
1. Evaluate causative link in the argument
Key terms: Valid/ invalid; Sound/ unsound;
2. Question the social context of argument and its applicability
Key terms: (Ir)relevant/ (In)applicable/ Feasible/ not feasible
3. Evaluate author‟s underlying assumptions
Key terms: Biased? Baseless assumption? Fraudulent? Dated
assumption?
12
4. EVALUATING the author‟s claims
14. Correlation DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN Causation
14
Does the author make SIMPLISTIC CAUSATION LINKS?
Does the author neglect other mediating factors?
Claim #1:
Violent films are harmful for children because they provoke
aggressive behaviour in them.
Claim #2:
Violent films may be harmful for children because they may
increase the risk of aggressive behaviour, especially if
parents/ guardians are not around to point out that such
behaviour is unacceptable.
15. Correlation DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN Causation
15
Claim #1:
Violent films are harmful for children because they provoke
aggressive behaviour in them.
Claim #2:
Violent films may be harmful for children because they may
increase the risk of aggressive behaviour, especially if
parents/ guardians are not around to point out that such
behaviour is unacceptable.
Both claims imply correlation.
• The first one implies a simplistic causation.
• The second ACKNOWLEDGES that there are other FACTORS that may also
contribute to children exhibiting aggressive behaviour.
16. How do I show BALANCE in my EVALUATION?
Simply do not support EVERY one of the 3-4 main arguments
picked out. For “in your society” questions:
Ideally:
You can provide two to three points that find author‟s views
applicable, and maybe one point where it is not so applicable.
BUT 16
17. What if I find it difficult to disagree with the
author’s claim?
Ways to DISAGREE with an argument:
• The „Not true‟ rebuttal.
Refute by looking at the causative links and the underlying
assumptions.
• The „Even if‟ Rebuttal. (Higher-level)
Here, you‟re conceding that the author‟s claim is accurate for
some points, but despite that, the author‟s points do not
undermine your personal stand.
17
18. Ways to DISAGREE with an argument:
• The „Ignores the fact that…” Rebuttal
This kind of argument really demonstrates higher-order
thinking.
Authors are usually masters in the art of persuasion and it is
not so easy spot what they are ignoring.
For example, refer to the VJC MYE AQ.
18
19. Suroweicki claims that technology‟s perpetual generation of new
products directly results in a decline in our happiness levels (para ..). He
even goes as far as to make the sweeping statement that
“disappointment were built into acquisition [of new products] from the
beginning”. I find that these are sweeping statements; whilst technology
does not hold the key to long-term happiness, it is NOT TRUE that
disappointment is embedded into our acquisition of new technological
tools. In Singapore, and other developed countries, people formed
snaking queues outside Apple branches so as to purchase the latest
gadget. Are they queuing to purchase „disappointment‟? I think not.
EVEN IF these tech-savvy consumers know that Apple will come up with
a newer iPhone/ iPad, they continue to stand in line, because…..
Suroweicki IGNORES the emotions of anticipation/ amazement/ awe,
and instead chooses to focus only on the potential for
disappointment….As such, [concluding statement]
19
20. Task: Disagree with these statements.
[O]ne of the few things we can say for certain is that the
more friends and close relationships people have, the
happier they tend to be.‟
20
First, identify that this is an ASSUMPTION. Then ask yourself:
“More friends and close relationships” = Happiness?
Is this a CAUSATIVE LINK or a COORELATION?
“More friends and close relationships” = Higher tendency to be happy?
21. Task: Disagree with these statements.
On relentless generation of newness:
“It is as if disappointment were built into acquisition from
the beginning (para 9)”
21
First, identify that this is an SWEEPING STATEMENT/
GENERALIZATION. Then ask yourself:
• Does the author focus only on the negatives?
• Has the author neglected the positive impact on our well-being ie positive
emotions like ANTICIPATION/ AWE/ HOPE?
22. How to finesse your EVALUATION
Tip: The ‘given how…’ tag.
The „given how…‟ tag helps ensure that your reasoning is not
a mere rehash of the very same generic reasons stated in the
passage. Instead, you will (most likely) list down
characteristics of your society that make an argument
applicable/ inapplicable.
(ie. “Given how Singapore is a small, multiracial, Asian, pragmatic,
young, developed, densely-populated, knowledge-based economy,
…).
Disclaimer: The tag „given how…‟ does not automatically make
your reasoning original and insightful.
22
24. Surowiecki highlights the speed at which we
become accustomed to new technologies (para 4) and
argues that this “hedonic adaptation” could result in
technology being a source of frustration. I largely
agree and see this phenomenon evident in Singapore.
Given how Singaporeans are heavily-dependent on
technology for its transport network, it is no surprise
that recent MRT breakdowns have led to frustration
amongst commuters who rely on the reliability of the
MRT system every day…………………….Thus, I agree
that hedonic adaptions strips the novelty factor away
from technological inventions, and may even cause
additional frustration when…
24
- Identify claim
- Explanation
- Make a stand
- Evaluate
applicability by
identifying
characteristics of
Singapore
- Exemplify/ Support
with evidence from
Singapore
- Reiterate and answer
the question
25. Johnson points out that the study of
History has value because it helps us to learn
from the mistakes of others (para 3). I feel
that an understanding of history is important
for my society. Given how Singapore is a
fairly young and inexperienced country,
learning from the mistakes and obstacles of
similar nation states before us is essential for
helping us progress in an informed and
cautious manner…..………………………………..
………………………………………………………………….
…Thus, Johnson’s view confirms my
assessment of history’s value for my society.
25
- Identify claim
- Explanation
- Make a stand
- Evaluate applicability
by identifying
characteristics of
Singapore
- Exemplify/ Support
with evidence from
Singapore (not shown)
- Reiterate and answer
the question
