Praxis Reading

Praxis Reading is a foundational subject that prepares future educators to master reading comprehension, analysis, and practical application for the Praxis teacher certification exam.

Advanced Topics

Evaluating Arguments and Evidence

Judging What You Read

Not all information is created equal. Evaluating arguments means deciding if what you’re reading is logical, supported, and convincing.

How to Evaluate Arguments

  • Check for Evidence: Are claims backed up by facts, examples, or data?
  • Look for Bias: Is the writer being objective or trying to persuade?
  • Spot Logical Fallacies: Are there errors in reasoning?

Praxis and Beyond

These skills are crucial for the Praxis and for teaching students to be critical thinkers. Whether you’re reading a persuasive essay or a news article, always question what’s presented.

Building Your Critical Eye

Practice asking, “What is the evidence?” and “Does this make sense?” as you read.

Examples

  • Reading an editorial and noticing it uses only personal opinions, not facts, to support its main idea.

  • Spotting that a science article uses data and peer-reviewed studies to back up its claims.

In a Nutshell

Evaluating arguments and evidence means judging how strong and trustworthy information is.

Key Terms

Argument
A set of reasons given to persuade others.
Bias
A tendency to favor one side or perspective.