Evidence
Definition
Evidence refers to the information or data that supports a claim or argument. It is used to persuade the audience and make the argument more convincing.
Analogy
Think of evidence as the ingredients in a recipe. Just like how specific ingredients are needed to make a dish delicious, evidence is necessary to make an argument strong and persuasive.
Related terms
Claim: A claim is a statement or assertion that someone makes in an argument. It is what the person wants others to believe.
Support: Support refers to the reasons, facts, examples, or evidence given to back up a claim. It strengthens the argument by providing proof.
Counterargument: A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint or objection raised against an argument. It acknowledges different perspectives and helps strengthen one's own position by addressing potential objections.
"Evidence" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (9)
AP English Language - 1.2 Examining how evidence supports a claim
AP English Language - 1.3 Developing paragraphs as part of an effective argument
AP English Language - 3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective
AP English Language - 3.3 Introducing and integrating sources and evidence
AP English Language - 4.1 Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning
AP English Language - 4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions
AP English Language - 5.1 Developing commentary throughout paragraphs
AP English Language - 6.3 Adjusting an Argument to New Evidence
AP English Language - 9.1 Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information
Additional resources (10)
AP English Language - Rhetorical Analysis 1 (Abraham Lincoln)
AP English Language - Rhetorical Analysis 2 (Sojourner Truth)
AP English Language - Reasoning and Organization Multiple Choice Questions
AP English Language - English Language Multiple Choice
AP English Language - Rhetorical Analysis Essay How-To
AP English Language - Multiple Choice Questions (Claims and Evidence)
AP English Language - 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide
AP English Language - Unit 1 Overview: Claims, Reasoning, and Evidence
AP English Language - Unit 5 Overview
AP English Language - Unit 7 Overview: Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments
Practice Questions (20+)
How can evidence support a claim in an essay?
What relationship should evidence have with the claim it supports?
Why is it important to use evidence logically and with transitions in an essay?
What is the role of evidence in the AP English Language and Composition free-response section?
Why is it essential to use different types of evidence to support a claim effectively?
What should evidence be directly related to when supporting a claim?
Why is evidence necessary when making a claim in an essay?
Why is using evidence/reasoning appropriate to the audience critical for writing?
What is the primary purpose of using strategic and relevant evidence?
How does using specific examples and evidence contribute to the persuasiveness of the essay as a whole?
How does using a variety of evidence and examples from different sources strengthen an analytical essay?
What is the role of evidence in an argumentative essay?
What is the purpose of using specific examples, evidence, and details in an essay?
When adjusting an argument to address new evidence, why is it important to maintain a clear and logical structure?
How can the use of evidence and examples enhance sentence development in an argument?
Where can you typically find evidence needed for refutation when writing the three types of AP English Language essays?
Why is it essential to either quote or paraphrase the information when incoroporating evidence?
When seeking evidence that supports a claim, it is important to:
When considering the audience for an argumentative essay, it is important to select evidence that is:
Before using evidence in an argumentative essay, it is important to:
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.