STAAR EOC: Reading

The STAAR EOC: Reading subject focuses on the essential reading skills required for high school students in Texas to succeed in their End-of-Course assessments.

Advanced Topics

Evaluating Argument and Evidence

Judging Facts and Opinions

When reading persuasive texts, it’s important to judge the strength of the arguments and the quality of evidence provided. Good arguments are logical, well-organized, and supported by solid evidence.

Types of Evidence

  • Facts: Information that can be proven.
  • Statistics: Numbers and data.
  • Examples: Specific cases that illustrate a point.
  • Expert Opinions: What specialists say.

Spotting Weak Arguments

Watch out for:

  • Emotional appeals with no facts.
  • Opinions stated as facts.
  • Evidence that doesn’t really support the point.

Why It Matters

These skills help you make informed decisions, from evaluating advertisements to forming your own opinions.

Real-World Impact

Critical thinking about arguments makes you a smarter reader and a more persuasive writer!

Examples

  • A persuasive essay cites government statistics to support its claims.

  • An ad uses celebrity endorsement instead of real facts, which is weak evidence.

In a Nutshell

Decide if an argument is strong and if the evidence truly supports it.