RI.3.8 Evidence Hierarchy

Analyzing Evidence in Informational Text

Some text here about the topic of discussion

What is Evidence?

Evidence is information in the text that supports the claim or central idea.

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• Evidence is used to prove the author's position in an argumentative/persuasive text.

• Evidence comes from a credible and reliable source.

• Evidence from primary sources is stronger than evidence from secondary sources.

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Facts/Statistics*

Testimony from experts in the specific field

Anecdotes​*

Analogies/Logical Conclusion ​

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Looks Like

• Is on topic and supports the author's central idea or claim.

• Has been proven to be valid (true).

• Comes from a reliable source​.

• Includes citations.​

Strong Evidence

What is Strong Evidence?

• Opinions

• Testimony from random people

• Logical fallacies*

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Looks Like

• Unrelated to the topic.

• Does not include a citation.

• Doesn't come from a reliable source.

• Information cannot be verified.​

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Weak Evidence

What is Weak Evidence?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be the strongest argument to persuade you to buy a new video game:

• The video game has OK graphics

• The video game is expensive.

• The video game is almost as fun as the ones you have.

• The video game won an award for Game of the Year.

Multiple Choice

In an article about the impact of rising water levels, what would be the strongest support?

• "Dr. Rogers, who lives on Lake Monroe, says that his house was flooded 3 times."

• "Flooding impacts the ecological environment causing habitat destruction in over 13 species."

• "It's important for us to care about the animals of the world because they make our world a more diverse place."

• "Most people will not experience flooding in their home during their entire lifetime."

Multiple Choice

What is the weakest argument when convincing your parents to see a movie:

• You saved your allowance for the past 3 weeks to go.

• You have a ride to the movie theater

• The movie is only a little violent.

• It's not a school night.