How to Provide Evidence for Your Argument Essay

Summary

This video script explores the importance of critical thinking in essay writing, focusing on how to identify and support claims with factual evidence. It emphasizes the need to distinguish between facts and opinions, providing examples such as prison overcrowding in America. The script demonstrates how verifiable facts strengthen an argument, while unsupported opinions weaken it. By guiding writers on how to back their claims with reliable data, the video highlights the essential role of critical thinking in crafting persuasive, credible essays.

Takeaways

• 😀 Critical thinking is a crucial skill developed during college education, particularly when analyzing and constructing arguments.
• 😀 In critical thinking, the first step is identifying the claim or position you, as the author, will assert in your essay.
• 😀 The claim is the main idea or argument you will attempt to convince your audience to accept.
• 😀 A strong claim is supported by facts, which are objective, verifiable, and reliable, as opposed to subjective opinions.
• 😀 Claims backed by opinions are considered unsupported because opinions cannot be verified as true or false.
• 😀 When stating a claim, it's important to ask yourself: 'What facts or evidence can I use to support my position?'
• 😀 Your ability to answer the question about supporting evidence will determine if your claim is valid and credible.
• 😀 A claim must be supported by facts such as statistics, research, and experiences to ensure it is informed and solid.
• 😀 An example of unsupported opinion is a claim about prison overcrowding backed by generalized, subjective feelings about capitalism and profits.
• 😀 Verifiable data, like statistics and specific examples, make an argument more credible and persuasive, such as the use of facts from the Pew Foundation in the prison overcrowding example.
• 😀 As an essay writer, your role is to use critical thinking to ensure your claims are well-supported by evidence, making them worthy of your audience's consideration.

Q & A

What is the first step in critical thinking when writing an essay?

The first step is to identify the claim, which is your position on the topic. It is the idea that you, the author, will assert and attempt to convince your audience to accept.

What is the difference between a claim backed by facts and one backed by opinions?

A claim backed by facts is considered supported, solid, and strong because facts can be verified as true. A claim backed by opinions is considered unsupported because opinions are subjective and cannot be verified.

How does the example about prison overcrowding illustrate the importance of providing factual support for a claim?

In the example, the author initially expresses an opinion about prison overcrowding in America without providing any facts. This lack of factual evidence makes the claim unsupported. A well-supported claim should be backed by objective facts, not just opinions.

What is the role of facts, statistics, and research in supporting claims?

Facts, statistics, and research help provide objective, verifiable evidence that strengthens your claims. By using these types of support, you offer an informed opinion that is more likely to be accepted by your audience.

What does the second example about prison overcrowding demonstrate regarding the importance of factual support?

In the second example, the author presents verifiable facts such as the United States having the highest prison population globally and the specific situation at Chino, California. These facts support the claim that prison overcrowding is a national disgrace, making the argument stronger and more credible.

Why is it important for an essay writer to engage in critical thinking?

Critical thinking is essential because it helps the writer assess the validity of their claims and ensure that their arguments are supported by solid, objective evidence, which increases the likelihood of their position being accepted by the audience.

What does it mean for a claim to be 'sound and acceptable'?

A claim is considered 'sound and acceptable' when it is supported by verifiable facts and objective evidence. The claim is reasonable, logical, and based on solid reasoning rather than subjective opinions.

How does the example of California's prison at Chino contribute to the overall argument about prison overcrowding?

The example of Chino illustrates the severity of overcrowding by providing specific, verifiable data—such as the prison’s overpopulation and the California Supreme Court’s intervention. This evidence strengthens the claim that prison overcrowding in America is a national disgrace.

What should you consider when making a claim in an essay?

You should consider what facts or evidence you can use to support your position. The strength of your claim depends on your ability to provide solid, verifiable evidence.

How can an informed opinion be distinguished from a mere opinion in writing?

An informed opinion is based on verifiable data, facts, and research, whereas a mere opinion is subjective and lacks solid evidence to support it. Informed opinions are grounded in critical thinking and objective evidence, making them more convincing.