IXL | Choose the best evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

Daylight saving time should be abolished.

Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?

A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that turning the clocks forward in the spring increased energy consumption, contradicting the popular belief that daylight saving time saves energy.

An economics professor noted that his students often seem less alert in class during the week following daylight saving time because the time change throws off their sleep schedule.

Turning the clocks forward in the spring means an extra hour of daylight in the evenings, which might motivate people to do more active outdoor activities after work instead of sitting around inside.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

Cheerleading, which requires great physical skill, is a legitimate sport.

Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?

A high school senior told the school newspaper: "My brother is a football player, and as a cheerleader, I train just as hard, take just as many risks, and compete just as seriously as he does."

The American Medical Association, the nation's largest physicians' group, officially recognizes cheerleading as a sport.

Researchers have concluded that cheerleading is now the leading cause of catastrophic injuries for all high school and college females.

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 Cheerleading, which requires great physical skill, is a legitimate sport, the second answer choice provides the strongest evidence:

The American Medical Association, the nation's largest physicians' group, officially recognizes cheerleading as a sport.

The other answer choices don't provide strong evidence.

A high school senior told the school newspaper: "My brother is a football player, and as a cheerleader, I train just as hard, take just as many risks, and compete just as seriously as he does."

This evidence is anecdotal and does not directly relate to the claim, which is about the physical skill that cheerleading requires.

Researchers have concluded that cheerleading is now the leading cause of catastrophic injuries for all high school and college females.

The fact that cheerleading can cause catastrophic injuries doesn't necessarily make it a sport.

$Confetti$

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Not feeling ready yet? This can help:

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

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