What are they? Why use them? Considerations Provable information; who, what Provide clarity and context Facts alone may not satisfy, where, when, how, and why Readers expect engage, or persuade readers 5. Statistics What are they? Why use them? Considerations Numerical data from More objective and Can be misleading research studies measurable than examples Appeal to a reader’s intellect reliability of sources Persuasive because they more situations than one or even several examples do 6. Information/Opinions from Expert Sources (Authorities) What is it? Why use it? Considerations Evidence from people who have Persuasive and convincing to Consider the expertise and special knowledge and experience on readers reputations of authorities a subject Determine whether other Adds credibility to writing experts in the same field agree Quote or paraphrase correctly 7. Definitions What are they? Why include them? Considerations Explanation of what a term or If the meaning or Be sure the definition is concept means understanding of a term or necessary concept may not be clear to Provide the source of the readers definition Use dictionary definitions If reader and writer may have sparingly; they can be dry differing ideas on the meaning of a word or concept 8. Descriptive Details What are they? Why include them? Considerations How something looks, smells, feels, Make writing alive” Weigh their usefulness “come sounds, or tastes compared to other types of evidence
What are they? Provable information; who, what where, when, how, and why Why use them? Provide clarity and context Readers expect Considerations Facts alone may not satisfy, engage, or persuade readers 5. Statistics What are they? Numerical data from research studies Why use them? More objective and measurable than examples Appeal to a reader’s intellect Persuasive because they more situations than one or even several examples do Considerations Can be misleading reliability of sources 6. Information/Opinions from Expert Sources (Authorities) What is it? Evidence from people who have special knowledge and experience on a subject Why use it? Persuasive and convincing to readers Adds credibility to writing Considerations Consider the expertise and reputations of authorities Determine whether other experts in the same field agree Quote or paraphrase correctly 7. Definitions What are they? Explanation of what a term or concept means Why include them? If the meaning or understanding of a term or concept may not be clear to readers If reader and writer may have differing ideas on the meaning of a word or concept Considerations Be sure the definition is necessary Provide the source of the definition Use dictionary definitions sparingly; they can be dry 8. Descriptive Details What are they? How something looks, smells, feels, sounds, or tastes Why include them? Make writing “come alive” Considerations Weigh their usefulness compared to other types of evidence
TypesofEvidence.docx