IXL | Choose the best evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

Online colleges prepare students for careers just as well as traditional brick-and-mortar schools do.

Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?

Online college programs often provide career preparation services that are equivalent to those provided by traditional college programs, including interview preparation, job fairs, and even internship placement.

Many students choose to gain some credits through an online college program and then successfully transfer to a brick-and-mortar institution to complete a degree.

"I've hired two people recently who received their college degrees through online programs, and the quality of their performance is as good as, if not better than, that of their peers," reported business owner Jake Bennett.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

For the benefit of all citizens, fluoride should be added to drinking water.

Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?

Some experts say that the fluoridation of water may threaten people who suffer from kidney disease.

More than half of Americans have fluoride in their drinking water.

Many experts agree that the fluoridation of water helps to prevent tooth decay.

key idea

To make an effective argument, be sure to provide evidence that your readers will find trustworthy and persuasive.

The strongest evidence to support a factual claim

directly supports the claim;
comes from a credible source, such as well-conducted research or an expert in the field;
is not merely anecdotal, or based on the personal experiences of just one person or a small group of people.

Claim: In contrast to previous generations, millennials don't feel as compelled to get married.

Strong evidence: Among all age groups surveyed, millennials were most likely to agree with the statement, "Marriage is becoming obsolete."

solution

Given the claim For the benefit of all citizens, fluoride should be added to drinking water, the third answer choice provides the strongest evidence:

Many experts agree that the fluoridation of water helps to prevent tooth decay.

The other answer choices don't provide strong evidence.

Some experts say that the fluoridation of water may threaten people who suffer from kidney disease.

This evidence opposes the claim. It suggests that fluoride would not be beneficial to all citizens.

More than half of Americans have fluoride in their drinking water.

The fact that more than half of Americans have fluoride in their public water doesn't necessarily mean that they are benefiting from it.

$Confetti$

Excellent!

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Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? This can help:

K.2Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim

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