In crafting an informative article on cyber security threats, which evidence would best establish credibility with readers?

Use statements from experts in information technology security.

Describe vivid imagery of potential consequences without supporting facts.

List common computer passwords suggesting poor security habits.

Provide anecdotes related to minor internet browsing inconveniences.

The strength of evidence in an argumentative essay depends on:

Carefully-conducted studies and reliable data

What can be used as effective evidence in argumentative essays?

Statistics from reputable sources.

Personal beliefs or opinions without supporting data.

Irrelevant trivia that does not support the claim.

Overly generalized statements that lack specificity.

Why is it essential to either quote or paraphrase the information when incoroporating evidence?

Demonstrate research and use credible sources

Inflate the word count of the essay

Misrepresent the original source

Add personal biases and opinions

When debating a complex topic like net neutrality, how should an author organize their essay to ensure clear presentation and comprehension without oversimplifying the argument?

By explaining technical terms upfront then exploring implications through cause-and-effect analysis.

By presenting opposing viewpoints first to create suspense before revealing their stance at the end.

Using a problem-solution format that quickly glosses over technical details in favor of broader themes.

Laying out arguments alphabetically based on key terms related to net neutrality concerns and solutions.

When an author is trying to inspire action among young adults through persuasive writing, which rhetorical strategy should they prioritize?

Employing passionate language that resonates with youthful idealism and desire for change.

Utilizing dense academic jargon to showcase expertise on the subject matter.

Including numerous charts and graphs to provide quantitative support for their claims.

Referencing historical events that mirror current issues to provide context and depth.

What element can best enhance the persuasiveness of a research-based claim advocating renewable energy investment?

Interdisciplinary studies that correlate renewable energy adoption with public health improvements and job creation.

A comprehensive compilation of climate change impacts derived solely from meteorological research reports.

Expert endorsements from leading figures in sustainable technology emphasizing renewable energy innovations.

Vivid descriptions portraying potential future scenarios where renewable energy prevents ecological disasters.

In Modernist literature, which technique was frequently employed to reflect fragmented perspectives and disjointed timelines as a response to World War I’s chaos?

Stream-of-consciousness narration illustrating characters' internal thoughts and feelings without clear order.

Linear plot structures with definitive beginnings, climaxes, and conclusions providing story clarity.

Romanticized hero's journeys showcasing valiant protagonists overcoming adversity through bravery.

Gothic settings creating atmospheres of isolation to symbolize society’s separation from pre-war innocence.

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3.4 Using sufficient evidence for an argument

3 min read•june 6, 2023

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This guide will go over how to use sufficient evidence for an argument.

Tips when Incorporating Evidence

The argumentative essay is one of three essays that a test taker will have to write in the AP English and Composotion exam. It is cruicial that the evidence you use helps support the claim that you are trying to make. The following tips include good practices and thing to keep in mind when incorporating evidence in general:

Choose reliable sources: When using evidence, it is important to choose reliable sources that can support your argument. This could be academic journals, peer-reviewed studies, news articles from reputable sources, and government websites.
Use a variety of sources: To make your argument stronger, it is important to use a variety of sources that support your argument. This could include statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples.
Quote or paraphrase: When using evidence, it is important to either quote or paraphrase the information. This shows that you have done your research and are using credible sources to support your argument.
Analyze the evidence: It is not enough to simply provide evidence. You must also analyze the evidence and explain how it supports your argument. This involves explaining what the evidence means, why it is relevant, and how it helps you to make your point.
Use evidence throughout your essay: Evidence should not be limited to a single paragraph in your essay. Instead, it should be used throughout your essay to support each point that you make.
Keep the evidence relevant: When using evidence, it is important to ensure that it is relevant to your argument. Evidence that is not relevant to your argument will not help to strengthen your case.

Finding Evidence that Supports Your Claim

Above all, it is important to add evidence that supports your claim. Here a few ways to do so:

Identify the main argument: Before picking evidence, it is important to understand what your main argument is. This will help you to determine what type of evidence will be most relevant and effective.
Consider the audience: Consider the audience that you are writing for and what type of evidence will be most persuasive for them. For example, if you are writing for a scientific audience, data and statistics will be more effective than personal anecdotes.
Look for credible sources: When picking evidence, it is important to choose credible sources that will support your argument. This could include academic journals, peer-reviewed studies, news articles from reputable sources, and government websites.
Analyze the evidence: Before using evidence, it is important to analyze it and determine whether it is relevant to your argument. This involves understanding what the evidence means, why it is relevant, and how it supports your claim.
Consider the strength of the evidence: Not all evidence is created equal. Consider the strength of the evidence that you are using and how it will help you to make your point. For example, data from a well-conducted study will be more persuasive than anecdotal evidence.
Use a variety of evidence: To make your argument stronger, it is important to use a variety of evidence that supports your claim. This could include statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples.
Keep the evidence relevant: Ensure that the evidence that you are using is relevant to your argument. Evidence that is not relevant will not help to strengthen your case.

In conclusion, by using credible sources, analyzing the evidence, and considering the relevance to the argument, we can effectively choose and use sufficient evidence to support our claims and strengthen our essays.

Key Terms to Review (15)

Academic Journals

: Academic journals are specialized publications that contain articles written by scholars and experts in a particular field of study. These articles undergo a rigorous review process before being published to ensure their quality and accuracy.

Analyze the Evidence

: Analyzing the evidence refers to critically examining and evaluating the facts, data, examples, or support provided in an argument or text. It involves breaking down complex information into smaller parts and assessing their significance.

Argumentative Essay

: An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a clear and logical argument on a specific topic, supported by evidence and reasoning. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's point of view.

Audience

: The audience refers to the intended recipients or listeners of a message. It is crucial to consider their characteristics, interests, beliefs, and values when crafting effective communication.

Credible Sources

: Credible sources are reliable and trustworthy sources of information that provide accurate facts and data. They are sources that have been evaluated and deemed credible by experts in the field.

Expert Opinions

: Expert opinions are viewpoints or judgments provided by individuals who have extensive knowledge, experience, or expertise in a particular field. These opinions carry weight and credibility due to the authority and specialized knowledge of the experts.

Government Websites

: Government websites are online platforms created and maintained by government agencies at various levels (local, state, federal) to provide official information and services to the public.

Main Argument

: The main argument is the central claim or thesis statement that a writer or speaker presents in their piece of writing or speech. It is the main point they are trying to prove or persuade their audience to believe.

News Articles

: News articles are written pieces of journalism that provide information about current events, issues, or topics. They are typically published in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

Paraphrase

: Paraphrase refers to the act of restating someone else's words or ideas in your own words, while maintaining the original meaning. It helps to clarify and simplify complex information.

Peer-reviewed Studies

: Peer-reviewed studies are research papers or studies that have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the same field before being published. This process ensures the quality, validity, and reliability of the research findings.

Relevant

: Relevant means closely connected or applicable to a particular topic, situation, or context. It indicates that something has direct bearing on what is being discussed or considered.

Reliable Sources

: Reliable sources are credible and trustworthy sources of information that have been vetted for accuracy, credibility, and authority. They provide accurate and unbiased information that can be used to support arguments or claims.

Statistics

: Statistics refer to numerical data collected from observations or experiments used for analysis and interpretation. They help us understand patterns, trends, relationships, and make informed decisions based on evidence.

Strength of the Evidence

: The strength of the evidence refers to how convincing and reliable the supporting information is in an argument or claim. It assesses the quality, quantity, and relevance of the evidence presented.