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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, let's start by discussing the difference between facts and opinions. Can anyone tell me what they think a fact is?
I think facts are things that can be proven true.
Exactly! Facts are objective pieces of information. Now, how about opinions? What are they?
Opinions are personal beliefs or feelings about something.
Right again! So, remember the acronym 'FOG'—Fact is Objective, Opinion is Generated. How do you think mixing these up could affect your writing?
If you use an opinion as evidence, it might make your argument weaker.
Yes! Mixing them can confuse your readers. Always aim for solid facts to support your essays.
Now, let's talk about assessing the credibility of sources. What types of sources do you think are reliable?
Academic journals are reliable because they are peer-reviewed.
That’s correct! Academic journals are great. What about personal blogs?
They might not be reliable since anyone can write them.
Exactly. When choosing evidence, consider the acronym 'PEAR' - Peer-Reviewed, Expert Authored, Accurate, Relevant. How can we apply this to our research?
We should check if the author is credible and the information supports our argument.
Great! Let’s always remember PEAR when gathering evidence.
Moving on, can anyone explain why relevance is important in selecting evidence?
If the evidence isn’t relevant, it doesn’t support my argument.
Exactly right! Always ensure your evidence directly relates to your claim. Now, what about sufficiency?
We need enough evidence to convince the reader, not just one example.
Correct! Use the acronym 'SURE'—Sufficient, Unbiased, Relevant, and Engaging. Why do you think engaging evidence matters?
Because it keeps the reader interested and makes them more likely to agree.
Absolutely! Always strive for SURE evidence in your essays.
A fact is verifiable information, while an opinion is a personal belief.
Reliable sources such as academic publications lend stronger support.
Evidence must be pertinent to the claims made in the argument.
Enough evidence is necessary to convincingly back up an argument or claim.
An example of a fact is: 'The Earth orbits the Sun,' which can be verified with scientific data. An example of an opinion is: 'Pizza is the best food ever,' which is subjective and varies by individual.
A credible source could be a peer-reviewed journal article on climate change, while an unreliable source could be a personal blog without citations.
Facts are true, and opinions can sway, choose the right source to lead the way.
Imagine a detective, seeking clues (facts) to solve a case, discerning between what witnesses (opinions) say. The better the evidence, the stronger the case!
R.E.S.O. for reliable evidence: Relevance, Evidence, Source, Objectivity.
C.R.E.S.T. for assessing sources: Credible, Reliable, Evidence from experts, Sufficient detail, Trustworthy.
Term
What is a fact?
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What is an opinion?
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What is credibility?
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Why is relevance important?
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What does sufficiency mean in argumentative writing?
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Information that can be verified and objectively proven.
A personal belief or judgment not based on proof or certainty.
The quality of being trusted and believed in, often assessed through source reliability.
The degree to which information directly supports the argument being made.
Providing enough evidence to fully support a claim and convince the reader.
This section focuses on how to identify and assess reliable evidence for effective argumentative writing.
The section covers key concepts such as the distinction between fact and opinion, assessing credibility of sources, ensuring relevance and sufficiency of evidence, and the importance of integrating evidence effectively in an argumentative essay. It emphasizes the need for credible and relevant support to bolster one's thesis and arguments.
In argumentative writing, the strength of your argument is heavily reliant on the evidence you provide. This section focuses on the key elements involved in identifying reliable evidence.
Understanding the difference between verifiable facts and subjective opinions is crucial for strong arguments. Facts are based on objective information that can be verified, while opinions are personal beliefs.
When gathering evidence, it's essential to assess the credibility of your sources. Strong evidence typically comes from well-respected sources like academic journals, reputable news organizations, and expert interviews. In contrast, personal blogs or biased websites often lack reliability and should be approached with caution.
Relevance plays a vital role when selecting evidence; it must directly support your argumentative claim. Irrelevant evidence may confuse or mislead your audience.
Finally, the sufficiency of evidence entails providing enough convincing information to substantiate your claims fully. A well-supported argument can effectively persuade the reader by addressing possible opposing viewpoints and demonstrating robust reasoning.
By mastering these skills, writers can construct more compelling and credible argumentative essays.