Evidence usage

English

Definition

The skill of selecting, introducing, and explaining evidence from texts or sources to support an argument or analysis. Effective evidence usage involves choosing the strongest and most relevant evidence, integrating it smoothly with signal phrases, and always following it with analysis that connects it to your claim.

How It Works

  1. Make a clear claim or topic sentence that the evidence will support.
  2. Select the most relevant and convincing evidence from your source.
  3. Introduce the evidence with a signal phrase like 'According to...' or 'As the author states...'
  4. Present the evidence as a direct quote, paraphrase, or summary.
  5. Follow every piece of evidence with at least 1-2 sentences of analysis explaining its significance.

Examples

  • 'Morrison writes, "124 was spiteful" (1), immediately establishing the house as a hostile presence.'
  • Using data from a study and then explaining what the numbers mean for your argument
  • Paraphrasing an expert's opinion and then connecting it to your thesis

Related Terms

Evidence and reasoning Textual evidence Source integration Citation

Study This Concept

Practice evidence usage with free review games in these units:

AP English Language Unit 2: Argumentation