English 9 / Unit 7: Argument and Rhetoric
7.2 Evidence and Reasoning
Notes
Evidence supports a claim; reasoning explains how the evidence proves it.
- Types of evidence: statistics, facts, expert testimony, examples, anecdotes, research studies.
- Strong evidence is relevant (connected to the claim), sufficient (enough of it), and credible (from a trustworthy source).
- Reasoning links evidence to claim: "This shows that..." or "Because of this..."
- Example: Claim: "Recess improves focus." Evidence: "A study of 10,000 students found..." Reasoning: "This suggests breaks help the brain reset."
Practice
Claim: "Our town needs more bike lanes." Which evidence is most relevant?
It directly connects to the need for safe bike lanes in town.
Which evidence is most credible for a claim about teen sleep?
Peer-reviewed research from experts is most credible.
A writer claims all teens love video games and supports it with one story about her cousin. The evidence is weak because it is not:
One anecdote is not enough to support a broad claim.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 7 test.