Transcript The Secret to Raising Smart Kids”

“The Secret to Raising Smart
Kids”
By Carol S. Dweck
Purpose
• Analyze the structure of an argument
• So far, we have learned that some believe that
success involves opportunities and/or luck, along
with dedication and commitment.
• In your journal, create a t-chart. At the top,
identify what each side believes about
intelligence and learning. Below, outline their
support for their argument.
• On the opposite page, answer the questions on
the board as we read the article.
Lines 1-10
• Pay close attention to Dweck’s word choice
and sentence structure. Who do you think her
audience is that she is trying to convince?
Lines 11-32
• The author’s position on an issue, or the
claim, often appears at the beginning of the
argument. The claim and details that
elaborate on it may be signaled by words and
phrases such as however, on the other hand,
and but.
• What claim is Dweck opposing?
Lines 48-77
• Which lines is the author’s FIRST reason to
support her position? Paraphrase her claim.
Lines 60-77
• In a well-constructed argument, each reason is
supported and developed with evidence, or
facts, examples, and other relevant details.
• Do you believe the evidence in these lines
convincingly supports the reason? Why or why
not?
Subheading: “Two Views of
Intelligence”
• Each subheading in the article is a cue that
another reason will be developed in that
section.
• Explain the focus of the part of the argument
covered under this subheading.
• Take notes on your t-chart on the two
different mind-sets.
Lines 98-103
• When looking at evidence in any article, you
need to determine if the information comes
from a reliable source.
• Identify the source for the evidence presented
in lines 98–116. Is this evidence reliable?
Lines 152-168
• M aking an argument relevant to a wider
audience helps increase its persuasiveness.
• Identify details that show the relevance of
Dweck’s ideas to a broader audience.
Lines 169-179
• When reading an argument, it is important
that YOU draw your OWN conclusions from
the details to determine if the argument is
valid.
• What is the author suggesting about the
correlation between mind-set and personal
happiness?
Lines: 180-189
• Authors may offer a counterargument in
which they address possible objections or
opposing views.
• W hat possible objection this paragraph could
be seen as addressing.
Lines 220-236
• S ound evidence is evidence that can be
verified, or backed up by another source. In
the case of anecdotal evidence, readers must
decide whether it is persuasive based on the
connections the author makes as well as your
own knowledge
• Explain whether the evidence in these lines is
convincing. Why or why not?
• Homework: Answer questions 1-5 on page 28.