key term - Evidence

Definition

Evidence refers to the information, facts, or data presented to support a claim or argument. It plays a crucial role in validating assertions and enhancing the credibility of written work by providing substantiation through various forms like statistics, examples, quotations, and expert opinions. Strong evidence helps to clarify comparisons, strengthen arguments, and establish authority in academic writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In academic writing, evidence is essential for persuading readers and establishing the validity of arguments made.
2. Different types of evidence can be employed, including statistical data, case studies, anecdotal evidence, and expert testimony.
3. When comparing and contrasting ideas, evidence serves to highlight similarities and differences clearly and convincingly.
4. Effective argumentation relies on the strength and relevance of the evidence presented; weak or irrelevant evidence can undermine the entire argument.
5. Properly integrating evidence into writing involves explaining its significance and how it supports the overall claim being made.

Review Questions

• How does evidence enhance the effectiveness of comparison and contrast writing?
  • Evidence enhances comparison and contrast writing by providing concrete examples that illustrate similarities and differences between subjects. When comparing two or more items, strong evidence allows the writer to substantiate their points, making their arguments more convincing. By incorporating relevant data or specific instances, the writer helps readers understand not just what the similarities or differences are, but why they matter in context.
• In what ways can the quality of evidence impact the strength of an argument?
  • The quality of evidence directly impacts an argument's strength by determining how credible and persuasive the claims are. High-quality evidence is relevant, reliable, and well-sourced, which bolsters the writer's position. Conversely, low-quality or poorly sourced evidence can weaken an argument significantly, making it less convincing and potentially leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by readers.
• Evaluate the role of evidence in academic writing and how it influences scholarly discourse.
  • Evidence plays a foundational role in academic writing as it supports claims and arguments while contributing to scholarly discourse. In evaluating research findings or theoretical perspectives, writers use evidence to validate their assertions and engage with existing literature. This process not only enhances the credibility of individual works but also fosters a culture of critical thinking and debate within academia, encouraging others to assess the validity of claims based on rigorous standards of evidence.

Related terms

Citation: A reference to a source of information used to support a claim or argument, which allows readers to locate the original material.

Thesis Statement: A concise summary of the main point or claim of a piece of writing, often accompanied by the evidence that will support it.

Analysis: The process of breaking down complex information into simpler components to understand its meaning and significance, often using evidence to support conclusions.