IXL | Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

Drawing in adult coloring books for relaxation or self-care purposes should not be considered "art therapy."

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: The website of the American Art Therapy Association states that the term art therapy is often used inaccurately. It specifies that "coloring activities must be distinguished from art therapy services provided by a credentialed art therapist."

Evidence B: When asked to provide feedback, one participant at a stress reduction workshop expressed that it diluted the meaning of the word therapy when a coloring book activity was labeled "art therapy" in the presenter's slides.

ref_doc_title.

Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

You should avoid using electronic screens before you go to sleep.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: Many doctors recommend using apps that adjust or reduce the light that electronic screens give off. The blue light from screens can cause eyestrain or headaches and can throw off your body's natural daily rhythm.

Evidence B: Looking at devices like TVs and smartphones before bed can disrupt your sleep. Harvard University researchers found that the screens' artificial blue light shifts sleeping times later by twice as much as other light.

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:

You should avoid using electronic screens before you go to sleep.

This piece of evidence better supports the claim:

green checkmark, Looking at devices like TVs and smartphones before bed can disrupt your sleep. Harvard University researchers found that the screens' artificial blue light shifts sleeping times later by twice as much as other light.

The other answer choice doesn't provide strong evidence:

red X symbol, Many doctors recommend using apps that adjust or reduce the light that electronic screens give off. The blue light from screens can cause eyestrain or headaches and can throw off your body's natural daily rhythm.

$Confetti$

Excellent!

Now entering the Challenge Zone—are you ready?

Questions
answeredQuestions

Time
elapsedTime

hr	min	sec
00	00	06

SmartScore
out of 100
IXL's SmartScore is a dynamic measure of progress towards mastery, rather than a percentage grade. It tracks your skill level as you tackle progressively more difficult questions. Consistently answer questions correctly to reach excellence (90), or conquer the Challenge Zone to achieve mastery (100)! Learn more

Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? This can help:

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

Excellent! You got that right!

Jumping to level 1 of 1

Excellent!