Identifying Evidence

An effective argument has three parts: claim, evidence, and reasoning.

A piece of evidence is a fact that supports the claim. To find the evidence, ask yourself, “What sentence or sentences give facts to support the author’s point?”

Passage

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. By teaching students healthy habits for managing and relieving stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

The highlighted sentence is a fact that supports the idea that stress management would help students be better workers.

Passage

Katniss consistently underestimates her competitors in the Hunger Games. For example, upon first noting Rue in the training center, Katniss characterizes the younger girl as a “small yellow flower” (Collins 99). Furthermore, Katniss maintains that twelve-year-old Rue reminds her of a bird (Collins 99). During the games, however, Rue is not delicate like a flower or helpless as a bird; the young girl makes smart decisions that ultimately save Katniss’s life.

In this example, the author uses two pieces of evidence to support the claim that Katniss underestimates her fellow competitor. Notice that the first piece of evidence is a direct quote while the second is a paraphrased fact. Both of these count as strong evidence!