Analyzing Arguments (SAT Reading)

What is Analyzing Arguments?

On the SAT Reading section, you'll be asked to:

• Identify the author's claim or central argument
• Evaluate the evidence used to support it
• Assess the reasoning and logic
• Recognize counterarguments and how they're addressed

Components of an Argument

1. Claim (Thesis)

The main point the author wants to prove.

Example: "Social media has a negative impact on teenage mental health."

2. Evidence

Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that support the claim.

Example: "Studies show 40% of teens report increased anxiety from social media use."

3. Reasoning

How the evidence connects to and supports the claim.

Example: "Because constant comparison leads to lower self-esteem."

4. Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint that the author acknowledges or refutes.

Example: "While some argue social media enhances connection, research shows..."

SAT Question Types

Type 1: Identify the Central Claim

What they ask:

• "The main argument of the passage is..."
• "The author's primary claim..."
• "Which statement best represents the author's position?"

Strategy:

• Usually found in introduction or conclusion
• Look for definitive statements, not just observations
• Avoid choices that are too narrow (minor points) or too broad

Type 2: Evaluate Evidence

What they ask:

• "Which choice provides the best evidence for the previous question?"
• "The author supports the claim by..."
• "The data in lines 23-27 primarily serves to..."

Strategy:

• Evidence should directly support the specific claim
• Look for facts, studies, examples
• Avoid opinions without backing

Type 3: Analyze Reasoning

What they ask:

• "The author uses the example of X to..."
• "By mentioning Y, the author implies..."
• "The comparison between A and B serves to..."

Strategy:

• Ask: WHY did the author include this?
• Connect evidence to claim
• Consider rhetorical purpose (persuade, explain, contrast)

Type 4: Identify Counterarguments

What they ask:

• "The author addresses the opposing view by..."
• "Lines 45-48 serve to..."
• "The author mentions the alternative explanation in order to..."

Strategy:

• Look for transition words: "however," "although," "critics argue," "some believe"
• Authors mention counterarguments to strengthen their own position

Evaluating Argument Strength

Strong arguments have: ✓ Specific, relevant evidence
✓ Clear logical connections
✓ Acknowledgment of complexity
✓ Credible sources

Weak arguments have: ❌ Vague or irrelevant evidence
❌ Logical fallacies
❌ Overgeneralizations
❌ Unsupported claims

Common Logical Fallacies

False Cause

Error: Assuming correlation = causation

Example: "Ice cream sales and drowning both increase in summer, so ice cream causes drowning."

Hasty Generalization

Error: Drawing broad conclusion from limited evidence

Example: "My friend got sick after the vaccine, so vaccines are dangerous."

Straw Man

Error: Misrepresenting opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

Appeal to Authority

Error: Relying on authority figure outside their expertise

Example: "This celebrity endorses it, so it must be good."

SAT Reading Strategy

Step 1: Identify the Structure

As you read, note:

• Main claim (usually intro/conclusion)
• Supporting points (body paragraphs)
• Evidence for each point
• Counterarguments (if any)

Step 2: Annotate Active Words

Circle:

• Claim indicators: "argues that," "maintains," "contends"
• Evidence markers: "studies show," "for example," "data reveals"
• Reasoning connectors: "therefore," "because," "thus"
• Counter indicators: "however," "critics," "opponents claim"

Step 3: Match Question to Passage Purpose

Ask: What is this sentence/paragraph doing?

• Introducing main idea?
• Providing evidence?
• Addressing opposition?
• Drawing conclusion?

Common SAT Mistakes

❌ Confusing a minor point with the main claim
❌ Choosing evidence that's interesting but doesn't support the specific claim
❌ Missing the author's purpose for including information
❌ Not recognizing when author is presenting opposing views

Quick Tips

✓ The claim is what the author wants you to believe
✓ Evidence is the facts/examples that support it
✓ Not all information is evidence—some is context or counterargument
✓ Strong passages acknowledge complexity and opposing views