how to find evidence for an essay

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Using evidence.

Like a lawyer in a jury trial, a writer must convince her audience of the validity of her argument by using evidence effectively. As a writer, you must also use evidence to persuade your readers to accept your claims. But how do you use evidence to your advantage? By leading your reader through your reasoning.

The types of evidence you use change from discipline to discipline--you might use quotations from a poem or a literary critic, for example, in a literature paper; you might use data from an experiment in a lab report.

The process of putting together your argument is called analysis --it interprets evidence in order to support, test, and/or refine a claim . The chief claim in an analytical essay is called the thesis . A thesis provides the controlling idea for a paper and should be original (that is, not completely obvious), assertive, and arguable. A strong thesis also requires solid evidence to support and develop it because without evidence, a claim is merely an unsubstantiated idea or opinion.

This Web page will cover these basic issues (you can click or scroll down to a particular topic):

Incorporating evidence effectively.
Integrating quotations smoothly.
Citing your sources.

Incorporating Evidence Into Your Essay

When should you incorporate evidence.

Once you have formulated your claim, your thesis (see the WTS pamphlet, " How to Write a Thesis Statement ," for ideas and tips), you should use evidence to help strengthen your thesis and any assertion you make that relates to your thesis. Here are some ways to work evidence into your writing:

Offer evidence that agrees with your stance up to a point, then add to it with ideas of your own.
Present evidence that contradicts your stance, and then argue against (refute) that evidence and therefore strengthen your position.
Use sources against each other, as if they were experts on a panel discussing your proposition.
Use quotations to support your assertion, not merely to state or restate your claim.

Weak and Strong Uses of Evidence

In order to use evidence effectively, you need to integrate it smoothly into your essay by following this pattern:

State your claim.
Give your evidence, remembering to relate it to the claim.
Comment on the evidence to show how it supports the claim.

To see the differences between strong and weak uses of evidence, here are two paragraphs.

Weak use of evidence

Today, we are too self-centered. Most families no longer sit down to eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment (Gleick 148). Everything is about what we want.

This is a weak example of evidence because the evidence is not related to the claim. What does the claim about self-centeredness have to do with families eating together? The writer doesn't explain the connection.

The same evidence can be used to support the same claim, but only with the addition of a clear connection between claim and evidence, and some analysis of the evidence cited.

Stronger use of evidence

Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families don't matter as much anymore as they once did. Other people and activities take precedence. In fact, the evidence shows that most American families no longer eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment (Gleick 148). Sit-down meals are a time to share and connect with others; however, that connection has become less valued, as families begin to prize individual activities over shared time, promoting self-centeredness over group identity.

This is a far better example, as the evidence is more smoothly integrated into the text, the link between the claim and the evidence is strengthened, and the evidence itself is analyzed to provide support for the claim.

Using Quotations: A Special Type of Evidence

One effective way to support your claim is to use quotations. However, because quotations involve someone else's words, you need to take special care to integrate this kind of evidence into your essay. Here are two examples using quotations, one less effective and one more so.

Ineffective Use of Quotation

Today, we are too self-centered. "We are consumers-on-the-run . . . the very notion of the family meal as a sit-down occasion is vanishing. Adults and children alike eat . . . on the way to their next activity" (Gleick 148). Everything is about what we want.

This example is ineffective because the quotation is not integrated with the writer's ideas. Notice how the writer has dropped the quotation into the paragraph without making any connection between it and the claim. Furthermore, she has not discussed the quotation's significance, which makes it difficult for the reader to see the relationship between the evidence and the writer's point.

A More Effective Use of Quotation

Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families don't matter as much any more as they once did. Other people and activities take precedence, as James Gleick says in his book, Faster . "We are consumers-on-the-run . . . the very notion of the family meal as a sit-down occasion is vanishing. Adults and children alike eat . . . on the way to their next activity" (148). Sit-down meals are a time to share and connect with others; however, that connection has become less valued, as families begin to prize individual activities over shared time, promoting self-centeredness over group identity.

The second example is more effective because it follows the guidelines for incorporating evidence into an essay. Notice, too, that it uses a lead-in phrase (". . . as James Gleick says in his book, Faster ") to introduce the direct quotation. This lead-in phrase helps to integrate the quotation with the writer's ideas. Also notice that the writer discusses and comments upon the quotation immediately afterwards, which allows the reader to see the quotation's connection to the writer's point.

REMEMBER: Discussing the significance of your evidence develops and expands your paper!

Citing Your Sources

Evidence appears in essays in the form of quotations and paraphrasing. Both forms of evidence must be cited in your text. Citing evidence means distinguishing other writers' information from your own ideas and giving credit to your sources. There are plenty of general ways to do citations. Note both the lead-in phrases and the punctuation (except the brackets) in the following examples:

Quoting: According to Source X, "[direct quotation]" ([date or page #]).

Paraphrasing: Although Source Z argues that [his/her point in your own words], a better way to view the issue is [your own point] ([citation]).

Summarizing: In her book, Source P's main points are Q, R, and S [citation].

Your job during the course of your essay is to persuade your readers that your claims are feasible and are the most effective way of interpreting the evidence.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Revising Your Paper

Have I offered my reader evidence to substantiate each assertion I make in my paper?
Do I thoroughly explain why/how my evidence backs up my ideas?
Do I avoid generalizing in my paper by specifically explaining how my evidence is representative?
Do I provide evidence that not only confirms but also qualifies my paper's main claims?
Do I use evidence to test and evolve my ideas, rather than to just confirm them?
Do I cite my sources thoroughly and correctly?

Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

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Editors Pick

How to Use Evidence and Analysis in Academic Essays

In academic essays, using evidence and analysis isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Think of your essay as a building, where evidence and analysis are the bricks and mortar. They strengthen your arguments, making them more convincing.

Evidence gives solid ground to your claims, while analysis helps you delve deeper, showing your understanding of the topic. Together, they add credibility and persuasiveness, making your essay stand out.

So, as you write, remember the power of well-chosen evidence and thoughtful analysis. They’re your tools to build a compelling, credible argument that captures and keeps your reader’s attention.

The Role of Evidence in Essays

In an academic context, evidence includes data, facts, and authoritative opinions that support your essay’s arguments. It’s like the foundation of a building, providing solid ground for your ideas. Examples include statistics from reputable sources, quotes from experts, and results from scientific studies.

Evidence plays a crucial role in supporting your arguments, lending them weight and credibility. It’s what turns your personal opinions into well-substantiated claims. For instance, using a service like ‘ write my report services in USA ‘ can offer a great example of how to research and utilize evidence effectively.

Incorporating strong evidence is key to persuading your reader and enhancing the overall impact of your essay. It’s not just about what you say, but also about backing it up with concrete proof.

Types of Evidence

Various types of evidence can be used to bolster your essay, each suited to different topics. Empirical evidence, derived from observations or experiments, is ideal for scientific or social research essays. It offers tangible proof of your claims.

Anecdotal evidence, based on personal experiences or stories, can be effective in more narrative essays. It adds a human touch but should be used cautiously as it may not always be reliable.

Statistical evidence is powerful in argumentative essays, providing quantifiable data to support your points. It lends objectivity, especially in topics requiring numerical analysis.

Choosing the right type of evidence depends on your essay’s topic and the argument you’re making. Matching the evidence type to your essay ensures that your arguments are compelling and credible.

Sourcing Credible Evidence

Finding credible sources of evidence is crucial for strengthening your essay. Start with academic journals, reputable news outlets, and books published by experts in the field. These sources provide reliable and well-researched information.

Online databases and libraries are also valuable resources. Look for publications with recent dates to ensure your evidence is current and relevant. The credibility of your essay hinges on the reliability of your sources, so always verify the authority and expertise of the authors.

Using current and reliable evidence not only bolsters your arguments but also demonstrates your commitment to quality and accuracy in your academic work. Remember, the strength of your essay depends significantly on the solidity of your sources.

Integrating Evidence into Your Essay

Effectively incorporating evidence into your essay involves more than just inserting quotes or data. It’s about weaving this evidence seamlessly into your argument. When quoting, use exact words from a source to support specific points, and always provide proper citations. Quoting is powerful, but use it sparingly to avoid over-reliance on others’ words.

Paraphrasing is another technique, where you restate information in your own words. It shows your understanding and keeps the essay in your voice. Summarizing is useful for condensing large pieces of evidence into concise statements, capturing the essence without unnecessary detail.

Remember, each piece of evidence should directly relate to and support your main argument. The goal is to blend your voice with the evidence to create a cohesive and persuasive essay.

Analyzing Evidence

Analyzing evidence in your essay involves more than just presenting facts or quotes; it’s about explaining how this evidence supports your thesis. Start by clearly stating the evidence, then interpret it, linking it directly to your argument. Ask yourself: How does this evidence prove my point? What does it reveal about my topic?

It’s crucial to connect every piece of evidence back to your thesis, the central claim of your essay. This connection demonstrates not just the relevance of the evidence but also its role in advancing your overall argument. By thoroughly analyzing and linking your evidence to your thesis, you strengthen the persuasiveness and coherence of your essay.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When using evidence and analysis in essays, common pitfalls include over-reliance on one type of evidence and ignoring counterarguments. Leaning too much on, say, statistical data, while neglecting anecdotal or empirical evidence, can weaken your argument by making it one-dimensional.

To avoid these pitfalls, diversify your sources. Combining different types of evidence creates a well-rounded argument. Also, don’t ignore counterarguments. Addressing them strengthens your essay by showing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Seeking examples from the best dissertation writing service can provide a model of how to balance various forms of evidence and counterarguments effectively. Remember, a robust essay acknowledges different perspectives and integrates multiple evidence types to support its thesis.

Using Analysis to Strengthen Your Argument

Thorough analysis is key to enhancing the persuasiveness of your essay. It involves not just presenting evidence, but also critically examining its significance and how it supports your argument. Start by asking probing questions about your evidence: Why is this information relevant? What implications does it have for your argument?

To deepen your analysis, explore the broader context of your evidence. Consider historical, social, or theoretical backgrounds that give your evidence more weight. Additionally, draw connections between different pieces of evidence to show a comprehensive understanding.

By going beyond surface-level examination, your analysis can provide insightful perspectives, making your argument more compelling and thought-provoking. This depth of analysis is what distinguishes a good essay from a great one.

In summary, skillful use of evidence and analysis is crucial in academic essays. Effective integration, diverse sourcing, and careful analysis of evidence strengthen your argument. Avoiding common pitfalls and deepening your analysis enhance your essay’s persuasiveness and credibility.