Choose evidence to support a claim

Key notes:

Understanding Claims:

• A claim is a statement or assertion that can be argued or debated.
• Claims should be clear, specific, and debatable.

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Types of Evidence:

• Facts: Objective statements that can be proven true or false.
• Statistics: Numerical data that support a claim, showing trends or comparisons.
• Expert Opinions: Quotes or paraphrased ideas from authorities in the field related to the claim.
• Examples: Specific instances or anecdotes that illustrate the claim.
• Testimonies: Statements from individuals who have firsthand experience related to the claim.

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Relevance of Evidence:

• Evidence must directly support the claim being made.
• Ensure the evidence is appropriate and aligns with the topic.

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Evaluating Sources:

• Consider the credibility of the sources from which the evidence is taken.
• Reliable sources include academic journals, reputable websites, books by experts, and interviews with knowledgeable individuals.

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Counterarguments:

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints to strengthen the argument.
• Use evidence to refute counterarguments, demonstrating the validity of the original claim.

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Organization of Evidence:

• Present evidence logically and coherently.
• Use clear transitions between claims and supporting evidence to guide the reader.

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Citation and Integrity:

• Always cite sources to give credit and avoid plagiarism.
• Transparency in sourcing adds to the credibility of the argument.

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Practice and Application:

• Engage in exercises that involve making claims and finding supporting evidence.
• Analyze examples of arguments to identify claims and evaluate the evidence used.