ACT (Enhanced)EnglishMedium
A student is writing an argumentative essay and wants to ensure that their claims are supported by credible evidence. They have found a statistic from a government website and are considering including a personal anecdote from a friend. Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of these two types of evidence in an academic essay?
- ABoth the statistic and the anecdote are equally strong forms of evidence and can be used interchangeably.
- BThe anecdote is more persuasive because it provides a human element, making it preferable to the statistic.
- COnly the anecdote should be used, as it directly relates to human experience, which is the focus of most argumentative essays.
- DThe statistic provides strong, objective support, while the anecdote, being subjective, should generally be avoided or used sparingly and with careful framing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The statistic provides strong, objective support, while the anecdote, being subjective, should generally be avoided or used sparingly and with careful framing.
In academic writing, objective data from credible sources (like government statistics) is considered strong evidence. Personal anecdotes are subjective and less reliable for proving a general claim, so they should be used cautiously, if at all, and typically to illustrate a point rather than to prove it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Statistics and anecdotes are not equally strong; statistics are generally more objective and reliable for academic arguments.
- B. While anecdotes can add a 'human element,' they are not generally more persuasive or preferable to robust, objective data in academic argumentation.
- C. Relying solely on anecdotes is a weak argumentative strategy in academic essays, as they lack generalizability and objectivity.
Credible Evidence
Credible evidence in academic writing refers to information that is reliable, unbiased, and verifiable, typically sourced from scholarly publications, reputable institutions, or expert analyses.
- Objective and verifiable.
- Supports claims effectively.
- Sources include academic journals, government reports, expert studies.
Memory trick: Weigh your evidence carefully; is it fact or just a tale?