Relevant Support

Relevant Support

By Gregory Larson

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• Effective writers know how to appeal to their audiences by including types of evidence that their readers will find appealing.

​Without effective evidence, you're basically just reasserting your claim.

Evidence: Support for the reasons offered

Relevant support

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• It's important to use a variety of evidence and use it strategically to make your point.

A good argument shouldn't be based on just one type of evidence.

Evidence: Support for the reasons offered

Relevant support

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• Can be used to make an argument less detached and more personal, building a connection with the reader and possibly stirring up emotions.

Personal experience and anecdote

Evidence: Support for the reasons offered

Relevant support

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• Shows that you're not basing your argument solely on personal opinion, which boosts your credibility

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• Citations show that you are providing reliable information​

Facts, scholarly research, and expert opinion

Evidence: Support for the reasons offered

Relevant support

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• Quantitative data can be compelling, but remember that data can be manipulated and framed in a way that serves a biased agenda

Data and statistics

Evidence: Support for the reasons offered

Relevant support

An argument is made up of a position (claim) and reasons

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Claim: An assertion, usually supported by evidence

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Reasons: Statements of support for claim

Claims and Reasons

Relevant support

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• First step: Is the support relevant? ​

Once you determine the claim and the reasons, you need to decide if each reason given is logical support for the point.

Determine Relevant Support

Relevant support

Multiple Select

The point of the argument is followed by five "reasons," only three of which are relevant support for the position.

Claim: Pigs make good pets.

• When a pig weighs over 180 pounds, it's called a hog.

• Pigs are friendly and intelligent.

• Pigs, like people, get sunburn.

• Pigs are easily housebroken.

• Pigs can be taught to walk on a leash.

Multiple Select

Claim: People of all ages can benefit from a hobby.

• Some people become so obsessed with crossword puzzles they spend 8 hours a day doing them.

• Stressed-out adults can find healthful relaxation in a hobby they enjoy.

• A hobby can help a retired person adjust to and enjoy a more leisurely schedule.

• Gardening may be the most popular hobby in the country.

• Hobbies help people developo talents and skills that may otherwise be ignored.

Multiple Select

Claim: Cities should build more bicycle lanes.

• More bicycle lanes would reduce pollution by encouraging people to nike more and drive less.

• Cyclists would be safer if they could ride in lnes separate from automobile traffic.

• Cycling is an event in the summer Olympics.

• Some roads are too narrow to make room for bicycle lanes.

• With cycling lanes, more people would be encouraged to get beneficial exercise from cycling.

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• Determine the statement that does NOT support the point of the argument.

The writer's position in the paragraph below is stated in the first sentence. One sentence is not reeant support for that point.

Relevant Support in Paragraphs

Relevant support

Multiple Choice

(1)Night vision is a superbly written mystery-thriller. (2)The movie's plot is completely believable yet complex enough to keep audiences guessing. (3)The story unfolds gradually, allowing the viewer to analyze all the possible clues. (4)Because the characters have such fully developed personalities, the characters offer a rich glimpse into human psychology. (5)The heroine is played by the brilliant French film star Madeline Bertot. (6)Fast-paced and witty, the dialogue contains many insightful comments on modern life.

• Sentence 5

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 6

• Sentence 4