Evidence and Commentary

Stronger Commentary in Writing

A Quick Guide to Analysis, Clarity, and Source Integration

Open Ended

What makes commentary strong in an essay?

What Makes Strong Commentary in Writing?

Summary vs. Analysis:

• Summary: Simply restates what's said or happened.

• Analysis: Explains why it's significant, connects to broader themes or effects.

What Makes Strong Commentary in Writing?

Example:

• Summary: "AI in education is a good thing. It can help teachers personalize learning."

• Analysis: "AI in education can personalize learning, addressing individual learning styles, which might improve engagement and outcomes. However, this could lead to over-reliance on technology, potentially diminishing critical thinking skills developed through human interaction."

• So what? - Why is this important?

• Why does this matter? - What are the implications?

Key Analysis Questions:

• Summary:

Restates main points or content.

• Analysis:

Explores significance, connects to broader themes.

Summary vs. Analysis

Enhancing Writing: Summary vs. Analysis

Enhancing Writing: Summary vs. Analysis

Example:

• Summary: "AI in education is good for personalizing learning."

• Analysis: "AI personalizes learning, potentially enhancing engagement. But, consider: So what? It might improve outcomes. Why does this matter? Over-reliance could reduce critical thinking."

Using Transition Words to Introduce Evidence and Commentary

Why Use Transition Words?

• Smooth Integration: Transition words help you seamlessly introduce evidence and then follow up with commentary.

• Clarify Relationships: They signal to your reader that you’re shifting from presenting evidence to explaining its significance.

• Enhance Readability: By using transition words, your argument becomes more coherent and easier to follow.

Using Transition Words to Introduce Evidence and Commentary

Examples of Transition Words:

• Introducing Evidence: “For example,” “For instance,” “According to,” “As shown by”

• Linking to Commentary: “This indicates that,” “In other words,” “Thus,” “Therefore,” “As a result”

• Tips for Effective Use:

• Be Clear: Choose a word or phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between your evidence and your analysis.

• Be Consistent: Use transitions throughout your essay to maintain a logical flow.

• Tailor Your Choice: Match your transition word to the type of connection you’re making (contrast, addition, cause and effect, etc.).

Source Integration in Writing

Main Points

• Introduce: Begin by stating the source's relevance to your argument.

• Cite: Use a citation method (e.g., "According to Smith (23)...") to give credit.

• Analyze: Explain how the source supports or challenges your point. Discuss what it means for your argument.

Match

Match each transition word with its correct function in academic writing.

• Introduces evidence or information from a source.

• Indicates a result or effect based on the evidence provided.

• Expresses a contrast or exception to the previous idea.

• Adds additional supporting information to the argument.

• Presents an alternative perspective or opposite outcome.

According to

Consequently

However

Moreover

Conversely

• According to

• Consequently

• However

• Moreover

• Conversely

Open Ended

Quote: "AI can adapt educational content to a student's pace and learning style."

Directions for Students: Take 2 minutes to write a sentence that explains the significance of this quote about AI in education. Think about 'So what?' and 'Why does this matter?'

Open Ended

Quotes:

"AI systems are capable of identifying gaps in student understanding and adjusting lessons accordingly" (Johnson 23).

"When students use AI to generate essays, they often fail to engage in deep thinking or analysis" (Carter 45).

Directions:

"Take 5 minutes to write a paragraph where you integrate both quotes provided. Make sure to link them to an argument about AI in education. Introduce each quote, cite it correctly using MLA 9 format, and analyze how each supports or challenges your argument."

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the role of commentary in an argumentative essay?

• To restate the thesis in different words

• To explain how evidence supports or challenges the argument

• To provide a list of facts without analysis

• To conclude the essay quickly

Multiple Choice

When integrating sources into an argumentative essay, what is the most important aspect to focus on?

• Ensuring the source is from a recent publication

• Quoting the source verbatim without any changes

• Analyzing how the source supports or contrasts with your argument

• Mentioning the author's name as many times as possible

Multiple Choice

What should writers ask themselves to deepen the analysis in their commentary?

• Can I find more sources to cite?"

• "Is my essay long enough?"

• "Why does this evidence matter to my argument?"

• "Have I summarized all my points correctly?"

Reorder

Reorder the followingIn crafting a compelling argument, I follow a journey in four steps. First, I am found, then shown, then explained, and finally, connected. Arrange these steps in the order they should appear in an argumentative essay.

• Find relevant evidence or quotes from sources

• Show the evidence through proper citation

• Explain how the evidence supports or challenges your argument

• Connect the evidence to broader implications or your thesis

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Match

Within the realm of argumentative writing, I am a guide to five essential practices. Match each practice to its role in crafting a persuasive essay.

Practices to Match:

The Sage of Sense - Provides depth by connecting evidence to broader points

The Herald of Proof - Introduces and properly cites your evidence

The Weaver of Words - Ensures clarity and coherence in your writing

The Seeker of Knowledge - Searches for pertinent evidence or quotes

The Visionary of Thought - Reflects on the implications of the argument

• Analysis and Commentary

• Source Integration

• Clarity and Precision

• Evidence Gathering

• Concluding Reflection

The Sage of Sense

The Herald of Proof

The Weaver of Words

The Seeker of Knowledge

The Visionary of Thought

• The Sage of Sense

• The Herald of Proof

• The Weaver of Words

• The Seeker of Knowledge

• The Visionary of Thought