Choosing Evidence

Match the evidence with the correct character trait:

• Arrogant

• "Mr. Pearson... he’s always dropping [things] all

  over the place with his clumsy self.

• Selfless

• I can always retire as a runner and begin a whole new career as a coach with Raymond as my champion. (paragraph 24)

• Protective

• "if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his

  big head, they have to come by me." (paragraph 2)

• Judgemental

• "no one can beat me and that’s all there is to it." (paragraph 3)

• Determined

• "Squeaky you must win, you must win, you are the fastest thing in the world" (paragraph 23)

Which evidence is the strongest to prove that Squeaky is hardworking?

• "Every time, just before I take off in a race, I always feel like I’m in a dream" (paragraph 23)

• (I correct him and tell him to write it down on

  his board." (paragraph 19)

• "You’d think they’d know

  better than to encourage that kind of nonsense. I am not a strawberry." (paragraph 15)

• “I stay up all night studying the words for the spelling bee. And you can see me any time of the day practicing running.” (paragraph 5)

"But that’s chicken and I’ve got a reputation to consider." (paragraph 6) - This evidence shows that Squeaky is ​ (a)   ​

• proud

• protective

• pessimistic

• dilligent

Tick all the evidence that shows that Squeaky might actually like Gretchen:

• "now she hangs out with the new girl Gretchen

  and talks about me like a dog" (paragraph 6)

• "I look over at Gretchen [a]nd I smile. Cause she’s good, no doubt about it." (paragraph 25)

• "...here comes Gretchen... breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time." (paragraph 24)

• "To the right, a blurred Gretchen, who’s got her chin jutting out as if it

  would win the race all by itself." (paragraph 23)

Match the following type of evidence with its example

• A scientist speaking on climate change

• Expert opinions

• A personal story related to the topic

• Examples

• Information proven to be true

• Anecdote

• Percentages, averages, numerical data

• Facts

• illustrations of an idea

• Statistics

What type of evidence is being used in this example: "In 2008, 7.3 million people died of heart disease."

• Anecdotal evidence

• Logical reasoning

• Empirical evidence

• Emotional appeal

Answer explanation

Empirical evidence is evidence that can be experienced or observed. 

Scientific research is considered empirical evidence.

What role does evidence play in supporting a thesis statement?

• It provides a distraction from the main argument.

• It offers a decorative element to the essay.

• It substantiates the thesis statement by providing proof and credibility.

• It weakens the thesis by introducing conflicting viewpoints.

Which of the following best represents a piece of evidence that is both strong and relevant?

• A quote from a celebrity about a scientific matter.

• A recent study from a credible institution that directly addresses the topic.

• A popular opinion found on social media.

• An excerpt from a novel that metaphorically relates to the topic.

Which of the following is an example of strong textual evidence?

• A quote that vaguely supports the argument but is taken out of context.

• A detailed statistic from a reputable source that directly supports the argument.

• A personal anecdote that loosely relates to the topic.

• A general statement that could apply to many different arguments.

Which evidence is the strongest to prove that Squeaky isn't very "girly".

• "That’s right, Fatso. And the next word out of anybody and I’ll be their mother

  too." (paragraph 13)

• "I run. That is what I am all about." (paragraph 15)

• "my mother thinks it’s a shame I don’t

  take part and act like a girl for a change." (paragraph 14)

• "I’ve got a roomful of ribbons and medals and awards." (paragraph 24)