13 Supporting Your Argument with Evidence
Building Strong Arguments with Evidence
Developing the ability to back up your arguments with credible evidence is a critical skill that will greatly enhance your success in both college-level writing and professional communication. This unit will equip you with the tools to critically evaluate sources, effectively integrate evidence into your writing, and construct well-supported arguments. Mastering these competencies will not only improve your critical thinking and persuasive abilities but also prepare you for the academic and professional challenges you will encounter as you transition to college and advance in your careers. Let’s get started on building a strong foundation for your future success!
Definition and Role of Evidence
What is Evidence? Evidence consists of information, facts, or data supporting or proving a point or argument. It is important in substantiating claims and enhancing the credibility of your arguments.
Why is Evidence Important? In both academic and professional contexts, evidence helps to validate your assertions, making your arguments more persuasive and compelling. Without evidence, arguments remain unsubstantiated opinions.
Types of Evidence:
Facts: Verified and indisputable pieces of information.
Statistics: Numerical data supporting trends or patterns.
Expert Opinions: Insights or conclusions from individuals with specialized knowledge or expertise.
Examples: Specific instances illustrating a broader point.
Anecdotes: Short, personal stories or experiences used to highlight a point.
Reading:
- What are some potential benefits of electric cars compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles?
- What challenges or obstacles might people face when transitioning from gasoline-powered cars to electric cars?
- What role should governments play in promoting the adoption of electric cars?
Read:
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Unlike conventional cars, electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity stored in batteries, which can be recharged by plugging the car into an electrical outlet or charging station. This means that EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, electric cars are often quieter and require less maintenance than their gasoline counterparts.
Several countries are implementing policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. For example, Norway offers substantial tax incentives for EV buyers, and as a result, EVs now make up more than 50% of new car sales. Similarly, the United States provides federal tax credits, and many states offer additional incentives. These measures aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
However, electric cars also face several challenges. The high upfront cost of EVs can be a barrier for many consumers. Additionally, the limited range of some electric vehicles and the availability of charging infrastructure can be concerns, especially for long-distance travel. Despite these obstacles, advances in battery technology and increased investment in charging infrastructure are expected to make electric cars more accessible and practical for everyday use.
Practice:
After reading the article, decide whether yo support electric cars or not. Then, look up articles, web resources or statistics to support your argument. Remember you need credible sources to support your argument so make sure to include the criteria for evaluating sources.
Basic criteria for evaluating sources
- Author: Is the author an expert in the field? What are their credentials?
- Publication Date: Is the information current or outdated
- Publisher: Is the source published by a reputable organization or publisher?
- Purpose and Bias: Is the source objective, or does it have a particular bias?
Practice: Citing Sources and Identifying Evidence: read the following questions and complete the tasks to practice identifying evidence used by the author and understanding how to cite sources.
Part 1: Identifying Evidence
What specific evidence does the author provide to support the idea that electric vehicles (EVs) are better for the environment than gasoline-powered cars?
Hint: Look for details related to emissions and pollution.
How does the author demonstrate that electric vehicles are gaining popularity in certain countries?
Hint: Focus on examples of government policies and statistics mentioned in the passage.
What evidence does the author present to explain the challenges associated with electric vehicles?
Hint: Identify the challenges related to cost, range, and infrastructure.
What type of evidence does the author use to suggest that the challenges of electric vehicles might be overcome in the future?
Hint: Consider the mention of technological advancements and investments.
Part 2: Analyzing the Author’s Use of Evidence
Do you think the evidence provided in the passage is strong and convincing? Why or why not?
Hint: Consider the types of evidence used, such as statistics, examples, or expert opinions.
How could the author improve the argument by including additional evidence? What kind of evidence would strengthen the claims made in the passage?
Hint: Think about other types of sources or data that could be relevant.
Part 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct vocabulary word from the list above.
- Many countries are offering __________ to encourage people to buy electric cars.
- Electric vehicles help reduce __________, which is better for the environment.
- Building more charging stations is part of improving the __________ for electric vehicles.
- The __________ of electric cars is increasing as people become more aware of their benefits.
- Electric vehicles are considered more __________ than gasoline-powered cars because they produce no emissions.
Part 2: Sentence Writing
Use each of the vocabulary words in a new sentence related to electric vehicles. Try to incorporate ideas from the passage.
Environmentally friendly:
Tailpipe emissions:
Incentives:
Infrastructure:
Adoption:
