ONLY FOR MAESTRO

Evidence

The Importance of Evidence: Claims and reasons are the framework of an argument, but evidence is what makes the case. Evidence—various items of information that support a claim as well as the reasons supporting a claim—is what you look for in any pattern of argument. It answers the question “What have you got to go on?” Only evidence, carefully selected and clearly presented, permits a writer to present an argument fully and convincingly. If the evidence in an argument is too sparse, it will not convince an audience. If it is too flimsy—based on mere opinion, hearsay, or colorful comparisons or analogies—it will not support an otherwise valid claim. Types of Evidence: Evidence can consist of:

Types of Evidence: Example: Things to Consider: Historical or Well Known facts

It’s well known that the US was the last country to agree to the UN climate reduction summit to lower use of fossil fuels and reduce carbon footprint, and then President Trump pulled out of the Paris Agreement in 2017, suggesting that the United States does not care about environmentalism.

--Does the intended audience “know” this fact? Would they find the historical or factual information important?

Scientific Studies/Research

“Swiss scientists say that even with existing cities and farmland, there’s enough space for new trees to cover 3.5 million square miles (9 million square kilometers). They reported in Thursday’s journal Science that this is our best bet in fighting climate change.”

Who did the study? Are they reputable and trustworthy? Did they use respectable scientific methods? Is their work peer reviews/agreed upon by other scientists?

Quotes from Experts or Experienced Individuals

“This is the time for implementation and action - action that science informs us must be swift, decisive and sustained” stated Patricia Espinosa, the new head of the UN Climate Change Commission.

What is this expert’s credentials and expertise? Are they an expert in this field? Did the WRITER of the article give enough background on the person to establish their credibility?

Societal Observations or Generalizations

Most Americans believe climate change is real and that something should be done about it, but they seem to want someone else to do it—usually, the government. In the wake of the 2016 election, what was always true should be abundantly clear: government won’t solve the problem of climate change.

Is this observation accurate? Will the audience feel the observation or generalization is fair?

Specific Cases or Events

The biggest residential demand on our dirty energy system is climate control—home heating and cooling. We travel from our air conditioned homes to our air conditioned workplaces in air conditioned cars. Of course, we need climate control to protect us from freezing temperatures in winter and soaring temperatures in summer, but do we need the atmosphere to be exactly 70 degrees everywhere we go, all year long?

Is this specific case applicable to the target audience? Does the specific case help illustrate a clear argument/opinion/claim?

Personal Experience Since I stopped using a clothes dryer, not only do I feel good about the fossil fuel I’m not burning, but my clothes last much longer.

Does the author have the authority to use their personal experience? Does their experience apply to the target audience?

Numbers, Statistics, Averages, or other numerical information

The atmospheric carbon dioxide level for March was 411.97 parts per million and continue to rise. It has now reached levels in the atmosphere not seen in 3 million years. That's an increase of 46% from just before the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, when CO2 levels were around 280 parts per million. Levels began to rise when humans began to burn large amounts of fossil fuels to run factories and heat homes, releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Are the numbers from a reputable source? Do they show the big picture, rather than an isolated study/focus?

In all instances, the most distinctive feature of evidence is that it supports a relevant claim. Evaluating Evidence: The chain of argument is never complete without authoritative and compelling evidence. When you read an essay, ask the following questions about the nature of the evidence presented:

1. Are the examples relevant and convincing? Are they sufficient to make the case?

2. Is the evidence presented clearly? 3. Is the evidence used to support a claim, and is it sufficient? 4. If statistics appear, are they relevant, accurate, current, complete, and from a

reliable source? 5. If the writer offers quotations or expert testimony, is it from a knowledgeable,

trustworthy, and authoritative source?