CompFAQ/Evidence

📝 English Composition Writing FAQ

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Use Strong Evidence and Examples

See also: CompFAQ/Development, CompFAQ/Support, and CompFAQ/Research

Using strong evidence is an essential element of essay writing. Without proper support, an essay can feel vague, unsubstantiated, and weak. The purpose of support is to provide evidence, examples, and details that help to develop and prove the essay’s thesis or main argument.

Evidence and examples can come in many forms, such as statistics, facts, quotes, anecdotes, personal experiences, and expert opinions. It is important to use a variety of types of support to provide a well-rounded and persuasive argument. It is also important to ensure that the support used is relevant and directly supports the thesis.

Evidence not only strengthens the essay’s argument, but it also shows that the writer has researched, thought critically about the topic, and understands the subject matter. This can help to establish the writer’s credibility and authority on the topic.

However, it is important to note that support alone is not enough to create a successful essay. The writer must also effectively analyze and explain the relevance of the support, and show how it directly supports the thesis. Without proper analysis and explanation, support can feel disconnected and irrelevant to the overall argument of the essay.

In summary, support is a critical component of essay writing. It provides evidence and examples to strengthen the argument, and shows the reader that the writer has researched and thought critically about the topic. However, it must be used effectively and directly support the thesis to be truly persuasive.

Types of Evidence and Examples

The type of evidence you need to support or develop your argument will depend on the specific topic and context of your essay. However, in general, here are some types of evidence you may consider using to support your argument:

1. Statistics and data: Numbers and statistics can provide objective evidence to support your argument. This can include data from reputable sources, such as government agencies or academic research studies.
2. Expert testimony: Quoting experts in your field or related fields can help to establish your credibility and support your argument. This can include quotes from published articles, books, or interviews with experts.
3. Examples and anecdotes (see below): Providing specific examples and anecdotes can help to illustrate your argument and make it more relatable to your audience. This can include personal experiences or stories, as well as examples from history or current events.
4. Logical reasoning: Logical reasoning involves using deductive or inductive reasoning to support your argument. This can include making a clear and compelling case based on facts, examples, and expert opinions.
5. Counterarguments and rebuttals: Acknowledging and addressing counterarguments can help to strengthen your argument by showing that you have considered opposing viewpoints and can provide compelling responses to them.

Using Examples

See also: CompFAQ/Support

In essay writing, examples are used to support and strengthen arguments, making them more persuasive. Examples serve as evidence that can help convince readers to accept the writer’s perspective on the topic being discussed. However, not all examples are created equal, and it is important to choose ones that are appropriate and persuasive.

When writing about climate change, for example, here are some examples that are appropriate and persuasive:

• Scientific evidence: Climate change is a scientific issue, so it is essential to use scientific evidence to support arguments. For example, citing data from NASA or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) can be persuasive in demonstrating the reality and urgency of the issue.
• Personal anecdotes: Sharing personal stories or experiences related to climate change can be persuasive in humanizing the issue and making it more relatable to readers. For example, sharing how one’s hometown was affected by a recent natural disaster or how one’s lifestyle has changed to reduce carbon emissions can be powerful.
• Economic consequences: Climate change has significant economic consequences, and discussing these consequences can be persuasive in demonstrating the importance of addressing the issue. For example, citing the cost of damages from natural disasters or the potential loss of jobs in industries that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels can be persuasive.
• Global perspective: Climate change is a global issue, and discussing its impact beyond one’s local or national context can be persuasive in emphasizing the urgency of the issue. For example, discussing how climate change is affecting vulnerable communities in developing countries can be a powerful example.
• Historical context: Providing historical context can be persuasive in demonstrating the long-term impact of climate change. For example, discussing how the Earth’s temperature has changed over the centuries or the history of environmental policy can provide a broader perspective on the issue.

Choosing appropriate and persuasive examples is essential in making an essay more convincing. Be sure that examples are also supported with the best research.

Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-12-2023; Version: Beta 0.7

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