IXL | Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

Most people should not bathe or shower every single day.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: An article in a medical journal questions the wisdom of taking only hot showers and instead advocates for cold showers. The article points out numerous benefits of cold showers, including increasing brain activity and reducing stress.

Evidence B: A Cleveland Clinic doctor who specializes in skin conditions recommends showering every two or three days. More than that, she warns, can strip the average person's body of its protective oils and cause itchy, dry skin.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

Your name could help determine your future profession.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: A psychologist asserted that people often gravitate to things connected to the self. He ran a series of studies that showed that people tend to make life choices that reflect their names. For example, people named Dennis or Denise are more likely than others to become dentists.

Evidence B: A sports website published an article about Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, known for his speed and multiple Olympic records. Underneath, several people commented that with the name "Bolt," he was destined to become the fastest man in the world.

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.

green checkmark, Among all age groups surveyed by a governmental polling agency, millennials were most likely to agree with the statement "Marriage is becoming obsolete."
This evidence directly supports the claim, comes from a credible source, and is not anecdotal.
red X symbol, U.S. census figures indicate that the rate of marriage is at an all-time low.
This evidence does not directly support the claim. It gives a fact about marriage in general, but it does not focus on any particular generation.
red X symbol, On a social network, a friend posts, "Marriage is a dying institution. For us millennials, it's just not a requirement anymore."
This evidence is not credible. Anyone can make a post on a social network. It's also anecdotal, since it shows the perspective of only one person.

solution

Review the claim:

Your name could help determine your future profession.

This piece of evidence better supports the claim:

green checkmark, A psychologist asserted that people often gravitate to things connected to the self. He ran a series of studies that showed that people tend to make life choices that reflect their names. For example, people named Dennis or Denise are more likely than others to become dentists.

The other answer choice doesn't provide strong evidence:

red X symbol, A sports website published an article about Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, known for his speed and multiple Olympic records. Underneath, several people commented that with the name "Bolt," he was destined to become the fastest man in the world.

$Confetti$

Excellent!

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O.3Choose evidence to support a claim

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