Types of Evidence in an Author's Claim

These are truthful statements that cannot be denied; statements the average person may know or which can be proven.

Example: The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

• Descriptions

• Expert Testimony

• Factual Information

• Anecdotes

• Examples

These are facts that can be presented in raw numbers, percentages, or measurement.

Example: By the time you are six years old, your brain is already 90% of the size it will be when you are an adult.

• Specialized Knowledge

• Expert Opinions and/or Quotes.

• Factual Information

• Statistics or Data (Numerical)

• Examples

This is something that is mentioned to help explain what you are saying or to show a general statement is true.

Example: Summer is my favorite time of year because I can sleep later; the days are longer, and my family goes to Panama City, Florida.

• Examples

• Descriptions

• Expert Testimony

• Factual Information

• Specialized Knowledge

This is the witnessing, observation, or conclusion of someone who is considered highly knowledgeable because he/she is an expert in a particular field of study or occupation; someone who has FIRSTHAND knowledge and experience.

Examples: A DNA expert testifying in court about DNA tests performed on a piece of trial evidence.

• Specialized Knowledge

• Factual Information

• Expert Testimony

• Anecdotes

• Descriptions

This is the author's own knowledge, not common knowledge, usually acquired through some sort of formal training.

Example: A dog trainer who writes a book that teaches dog owners how to train their own dogs to behave.

• Descriptions

• Examples

• Specialized Knowledge

• Expert Testimony

• Factual Information

This refers to the use of someone else's knowledge or opinion, not that of the author--when the author quotes or mentions a recognized expert in the field.

Example: A doctor who treats cancer patients writes an article in a magazine giving his expert opinion on how people can avoid getting skin cancer.

• Anecdotes

• Expert Opinions and/or Quotes.

• Examples

• Factual Information

• Expert Testimony

These are short stories about something interesting, funny or strange authors can use to make a point.

Example: Interviews with family members, witnesses, friends, or neighbors.

• Anecdotes

• Descriptions

• Examples

• Expert Testimony

• Statistics or Data (Numerical)

These are words that help readers visualize people or events.

Examples: The words you use to describe a person, place, or object, such as a friend, the ocean, or your bedroom. These words describe people or things using the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, & touch.

• Specialized Knowledge

• Anecdotes

• Factual Information

• Expert Opinions

• Descriptions

These give a reader information in an organized, easy-to-follow format. Charts use columns and rows to organize information for the reader. Some types of charts show things like times and dates and sometimes the days of the week.

• Charts

• Diagrams

• Index

• Map

This is a detailed illustration. It often uses labels to identify specific parts of the pictured item.

• Glossary

• Index

• Graph

• Diagram