Analyzing an Argument

1. What is the claim?
1. What is the main point the writer is trying to make
1. The point that she is trying to make is that spaying and neutering your pets is a very good and beneficial thing to do.
2. The thesis is very clear, that we should spay and neuter our pets.
2. What support does the writer offer for the claim?
1. What Reasons are given?
1. It helps with overpopulation of homeless animal shelters
2. It’s the only 100% effective birth control for pets
3. It is good for their health (females don’t have to go through heat, males are made more calm and less horny)
4. Cost of spaying or neutering is less than the cost of raising a litter
2. Evidence
1. She uses facts and statistics from credible sources to back up these points
3. Are the reasons plausible?
1. The reasons fit well with the thesis, and point she is trying to prove. The sources are credible.
3. How evenhandedly does the writer present the issues?
1. Mention of counterarguments?
1. The “counterargument” she mentions is the option of not spaying and neutering your pets. This means the females have menstruation, and the males are more hyper and hump things
2. Refute?
1. She refutes them with facts and statistics that point to the idea that spaying and neutering is much cheaper and easier than dealing with a pet that doesn’t get the surgery
3. Respect?
1. The writer treats the other arguments respectfully, while swiftly refuting them
4. Qualified argument?
1. The only sweeping generalization that is made is made with raw facts about spaying and neutering
4. What Sources does the author Use?
1. How is each one used?
1. she used each source to back up a specific point about the benefits of this surgery.
2. How credible?
1. The sources are very credible, coming from highly supported and well-known organizations
3. Are they current?
1. Yes.
5. How does the writer address you?
1. Does she assume we know the subject?
1. The paper provides adequate background information so that everyone can grasp what she is talking about.
2. Include or exclude?
1. This paper includes me because I am a pet owner.
3. Do we share beliefs?
1. I think that me and the author share beliefs because this stuff is important.