IXL | Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim

Consider this claim:

While white chocolate contains some different ingredients from other chocolates, it should still be considered a subcategory of chocolate.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: Pastry chef David Lebovitz, author of The Great Book of Chocolate, says that it makes sense to group white chocolate with milk and dark chocolates, since they are all made from cacao beans.

Evidence B: The cashier at Sweetzer's Bakery encourages people to celebrate National Chocolate Day by purchasing the bakery's three-layer white chocolate cake.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider this claim:

People who choose to have fewer belongings are happier than those who have a lot.

Which piece of evidence better supports this claim?

Evidence A: According to a study on minimalism, people who limit their possessions are more satisfied with their lives than people who have more. The study also revealed that minimalists experience positive emotions more often than average Americans do.

Evidence B: A blogger writes that her life is richer now that she has given away many of her possessions. She goes on to say, "Possessions tend to weigh you down and prevent you from living the best life you can possibly live."

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:

People who choose to have fewer belongings are happier than those who have a lot.

This piece of evidence better supports the claim:

green checkmark, According to a study on minimalism, people who limit their possessions are more satisfied with their lives than people who have more. The study also revealed that minimalists experience positive emotions more often than average Americans do.

The other answer choice doesn't provide strong evidence:

red X symbol, A blogger writes that her life is richer now that she has given away many of her possessions. She goes on to say, "Possessions tend to weigh you down and prevent you from living the best life you can possibly live."

$Confetti$

Excellent!

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Work it out

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O.3Choose evidence to support a claim

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