GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsExtended Response (Essay)Medium
A student is writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy. They have gathered a variety of statistics, expert quotes, and case studies. To ensure their essay is persuasive and well-developed, what is the most important consideration when integrating this evidence?
- APresent evidence without explanation, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.
- BInclude as much evidence as possible to demonstrate thorough research.
- CExplain how each piece of evidence supports the specific claim it is intended to prove.
- DPlace all statistics in one paragraph and all quotes in another to maintain organization.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Explain how each piece of evidence supports the specific claim it is intended to prove.
Integrating evidence effectively means not just presenting it, but also explaining its relevance and how it supports the argument. Without explanation, the evidence's persuasive power is lost, and the reader may not understand its connection to the claim.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Evidence without explanation is ineffective; the writer must connect the evidence to their specific claims.
- B. Quantity of evidence is less important than quality and proper analysis; too much can overwhelm the reader.
- D. This organizational strategy can interrupt the logical flow of ideas and detach evidence from the claims it supports.
Integrating Evidence Effectively
Effective evidence integration involves introducing supporting material, presenting it accurately, and thoroughly explaining how it connects to and supports the specific claims within an argumentative essay.
- Evidence should be introduced smoothly, not dropped abruptly.
- Always provide analysis or explanation for each piece of evidence.
- Ensure evidence directly supports the claim it is meant to illustrate.
Memory trick: Don't just show; tell them why it matters.