Teaching evidence and reasons

I F Y O U A R E T R Y I N G T O C O N V I N C E S O M E O N E T O A G R E E W I T H Y O U R O P I N I O N Y O U N E E D G O O D

R E A S O N S A N D E V I D E N C E

REASON AND EVIDENCE

REASON –AND EVIDENCE WHAT IS THIS?

• The reason is a statement that supports your opinion.

• Evidence is the information you use to prove that your reason is true.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE

• Facts: These can come from things you have read, observations or personal experience.• Statistics: While these provide good support

make sure they are reliable and that you site your sources.• Quotes: Direct quotes from experts that support

your position.• Examples: Examples add to the meaning and

make your ideas concrete. They are the proof!

WAYS TO BEGIN REASON PARAGRAPHS

• To begin with __________.

• Additionally _____________.

• Pursuing this further_________________.

• In the same way ____________.

• Yet another reason why ___________________.

PERSUASIVE SIGNAL WORDSUSE THESE WITHIN THE PARAGRAPH TO TRANSITION

YOUR EVIDENCE

• From my point of view• In my opinion• Similarly• Equally important• For example• For instance• In support of this• As evidence

EXAMPLE

The writer’s opinion is that science is the best academic class.

Reason: To begin with there are many different scientific courses of study. Evidence: For example at the high school you can take chemistry, biology, botany, and agricultural science. Additionally, you are required to have 8 credits of science to graduate which supports the large variety of classes.

HOW TO FIND EVIDENCE FOR YOUR REASONS

• Try turning your reason into a question:

• Reason: : To begin with there are many different scientific courses of study.

• What are the different science classes?• Why are there so many different science classes?

The answers to these questions become your evidence.