IXL | Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

Steaming is a better way to cook vegetables than boiling.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, steaming maintains the nutrients in vegetables because it uses indirect heat, whereas vegetables boiled directly in water lose more vitamins.

Evidence B: In an online parenting forum, several users say they serve their kids steamed vegetables, not boiled ones. For example, one father shared that he steams vegetables for his children's dinner since his kids love the crisp texture.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

Everyone should walk barefoot—ideally outside—at least a few times per week.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: Studies have shown that regular contact between the ground and bare feet can yield a variety of benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced pain, and lower stress.

Evidence B: A study at a leading research university showed that ninety percent of participants who hiked at least three times per week had lower levels of stress than those with more sedentary lifestyles.

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:

Everyone should walk barefoot—ideally outside—at least a few times per week.

This piece of evidence better supports the claim:

green checkmark, Studies have shown that regular contact between the ground and bare feet can yield a variety of benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced pain, and lower stress.

The other answer choice doesn't provide strong evidence:

red X symbol, A study at a leading research university showed that ninety percent of participants who hiked at least three times per week had lower levels of stress than those with more sedentary lifestyles.

$Confetti$

Excellent!

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

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