The Science Of Scientific Writing Set 6 Set 6-Assessing • Second page • Third page • Fourth page • Example • Exercise 1 • Exercise 2 • Exercise 3 • Exercise 4 • Exercise 5 • Exercise 6 • Final Page Set 6.
OVERVIEW: The way to well-written science
PART I: Paragraphs and Sentences...
SET 1: The Parts of Arguments
SET 2: Indicator Words
SET 3: Refining Claims
SET 4: Locating Arguments in Prose
SET 5: Rationale's Essay Planner
SET 6: Assessing
SET 7 : More on Assessing
We understand an argument by starting at the top and reading down. We evaluate a map by starting at the bottom of the map and working up:
Evaluation step-by-step:
1. The basis box: Is this a reliable source of information? Would you rate it as solid, shaky, or providing nil support? (We have not introduced the item "basis box" before. It is basically the type of evidence you are using as the starting point or foundation of your argument. Most scientists do not have problems realising the value of evidence!)
2. The reason: What confidence do you have in this reason, given your assessment of its basis? Is it relevant to the position above? Would you rate it as providing strong, weak or nil support?
3. The position: What confidence do you have in the position, given the degree of support the reason provides? Would you accept it, reject it, or take no stand on it ('hmmm...')?
Content of this page drawn in whole or part from the Austhink Rationale Exercises with permission from Austhink.