ACT Compass Reading

ACT Compass Reading focuses on enhancing reading comprehension skills essential for academic success.

Understanding Main Ideas and ThemesIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Understanding Author’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Text StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Interpreting Everyday TextsComprehending Informational TextsApplying Critical Reading to Digital Media
Time Management for the Reading SectionUsing Process of EliminationActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Analyzing Text Struc...Evaluating Arguments...Interpreting Everyda...Comprehending Inform...Applying Critical Re...Time Management for ...Using Process of Eli...Active Reading Techn...
Advanced Topics

Evaluating Arguments and Evidence

Judging the Strength of Ideas

Authors often make claims and support them with evidence. Evaluating arguments means deciding if these claims are strong or weak.

Types of Evidence

  • Facts: True and provable statements.
  • Statistics: Numbers that support the point.
  • Examples: Specific cases.
  • Expert Opinions: Statements from authorities.

How to Evaluate

  1. Is the evidence relevant to the claim?
  2. Is it reliable and up-to-date?
  3. Are any important facts missing?

Real-World Value

This skill helps you think critically about what you read, in school and beyond.

Examples

  • A persuasive essay uses recent statistics to back up its claim about climate change.

  • An opinion piece quotes experts to strengthen its argument.

In a Nutshell

Evaluating arguments means checking if the claims are well-supported and trustworthy.

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Interpreting Everyday Texts