Supporting evidence

Definition

Supporting evidence refers to the specific facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions that are used to back up a claim or argument. This evidence is crucial because it helps to validate and strengthen the assertions made within a piece of writing, making the argument more credible and convincing to the reader. By incorporating strong supporting evidence, writers can effectively persuade their audience and enhance the overall quality of their work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective supporting evidence not only substantiates claims but also engages the reader, making the writing more persuasive.
2. Different types of supporting evidence include anecdotes, statistics, expert testimony, and case studies, each serving unique purposes in bolstering arguments.
3. When using supporting evidence, it's important to evaluate the credibility of sources to ensure that they are reliable and relevant.
4. Integrating supporting evidence seamlessly into your writing helps maintain flow and coherence, enhancing the overall argument's impact.
5. Citing supporting evidence correctly is essential for avoiding plagiarism and giving due credit to original authors, which also adds credibility to your own writing.

Review Questions

• How does supporting evidence enhance the strength of an argument in writing?
  • Supporting evidence enhances an argument by providing concrete examples that validate claims made by the writer. This type of evidence offers readers a clearer understanding of the argument and builds trust in its validity. Without strong supporting evidence, an argument can seem weak or unsubstantiated, making it less likely for readers to be convinced.
• In what ways can different types of supporting evidence be effectively integrated into an essay?
  • Different types of supporting evidence can be integrated into an essay through careful placement within paragraphs, where they directly relate to the thesis statement or main points. For instance, using statistics early in a paragraph can establish a foundation for a claim, while anecdotes can provide relatable examples later on. It’s important to balance various forms of evidence to maintain engagement and ensure clarity.
• Evaluate the impact of using unreliable sources as supporting evidence on the overall effectiveness of an argument.
  • Using unreliable sources as supporting evidence can severely undermine an argument's credibility and effectiveness. If readers recognize that the information presented is not from trustworthy sources, they may question the validity of all claims made in the writing. This can lead to a loss of audience trust and potentially dismiss the argument entirely. Therefore, ensuring that all supporting evidence comes from reputable sources is critical for maintaining persuasive power.

Related terms

thesis statement: A single sentence that expresses the main idea or argument of a piece of writing, serving as a guide for both the writer and the reader.

argumentation: The process of presenting reasoning and evidence to support a claim or viewpoint, often involving counterarguments to strengthen the main argument.

citation: A reference to a source of information or evidence that gives credit to the original author and allows readers to locate the original material.