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Evaluation Checklist

	Infers assumptions supporting information when determining the credibility of a source
	Detects bias
	Determines the expertise of the author
	Determines the credibility of qualitative and quantitative evidence

	Looks for sound reasoning in persuasive arguments
	Detects false dilemmas in arguments—reducing complex issues with multiple options to either-or issues
	Detects begging the question in arguments—using a claim itself as evidence for the validity of the claim
	Detects poisoning the well in arguments—discounting any evidence that conflicts with their views
	Detects evading the issue in arguments—changing the subject to one that is less difficult to deal with
	Detects appeals to authority in arguments—claiming validity by referring to an authority’s position
	Detects arguing from ignorance in arguments—arguing that since a claim cannot be proven to be false, it must be true
	Detects straw man in arguments—portraying an opposing point of view inaccurately

Uses a thorough and sophisticated analysis of different kinds of information from a wide variety of sources to form opinions

	Explains opinion with sincere belief and commitment
	Presents various conflicting viewpoints and explains the benefits and drawbacks of each
	Conveys the complexity of the issue by describing the interaction of a variety of factors