E. Logic

The high school graduate can:

E1. Distinguish among facts and opinions, evidence and inferences.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #5)

E2. Identify false premises in an argument.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #5)

E3. Describe the structure of a given argument; identify its claims and evidence; and evaluate connections among evidence, inferences and claims. (Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #5)

E4. Evaluate the range and quality of evidence used to support or oppose an argument.

(Associated Workplace Task: #6)

E5. Recognize common logical fallacies, such as the appeal to pity (argumentum ad misericordiam), the personal attack (argumentum ad hominem), the appeal to common opinion (argumentum ad populum) and the false dilemma (assuming only two options when there are more options available); understand why these fallacies do not prove the point being argued.

E6. Analyze written or oral communications for false assumptions, errors, loaded terms, caricature, sarcasm, leading questions and faulty reasoning.

E7. Understand the distinction between a deductive argument (where, if the premises are all true and the argument's form is valid, the conclusion is inescapably true) and inductive reasoning (in which the conclusion provides the best or most probable explanation of the truth of the premises, but is not necessarily true).

(Associated Workplace Task: #4)

E8. Analyze two or more texts addressing the same topic to determine how authors reach similar or different conclusions.

E9. Construct arguments (both orally and in writing) that:

• develop a thesis that demonstrates clear and knowledgeable judgment;
• structure ideas in a sustained and logical fashion;
• use a range of strategies to elaborate and persuade, such as descriptions, anecdotes, case studies, analogies and illustrations;
• clarify and defend positions with precise and relevant evidence, including facts, expert opinions, quotations and/or expressions of commonly accepted beliefs and logical reasoning;
• anticipate and address the reader's concerns and counterclaims; and
• provide clear and effective conclusions.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignments: #5 and 6)