Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
July 15, 2015 by Mike Bergin

Elements of an Effective Argument: Evidence

evidencepyramidNo matter what your parents thought, “Because I said so,” doesn’t make for a valid argument, though it may be a persuasive one. A claim, no matter how forcefully asserted, demands evidence. In fact, the more absolute the claim, the more compelling the evidence must be. Otherwise, all you have is an assertion.

Evidence, often referred to as grounds or data, turns an unsupported assertion into a persuasive argument. Evidence makes a claim true or valid. Fortunately for those of us who like to make grand claims, evidence can be found everywhere.
 
FACTUAL
Facts are certainly persuasive… who can argue with hard data or cold reality? All of history, science, and art lie waiting to support the right claims. Quantitative data can be especially compelling, as well as malleable. But avoid depending entirely on factual evidence; a truly effective argument appeals not only to the head but also to the heart.

SOCIAL
We value both the wisdom of crowds and the words of authority figures far more than we probably should. But if you’re making an argument, you cannot afford to ignore the persuasive power of social proof. Interviews and surveys are excellent ways to co-opt the support of large groups, while famous quotations and sayings channel the insights of respected authorities.

EXPERIENTIAL
Connecting with others on an individual level adds credibility to many arguments. Take advantage of the power of personal connections by sharing applicable anecdotes, but don’t expect subjective experience to be enough to support most claims.
 
To understand how these different types of evidence can be used to support an argument, let’s look to a claim near and dear to my heart:

“Summer is the best season of the year.”

 
FACTUAL: “Psychological research shows a strong positive correlation between hours of daylight and measurements of mood and satisfaction.”

SOCIAL: “TIME magazine conducts a national survey asking Americans to identify their favorite months. July consistently ranks as the top choice, with August a close second.”

EXPERIENTIAL: “Many of the most cherished memories of my childhood recall summer vacations, family reunions, and weeks at the beach.”

Always be sure to distinguish fact from assumption, inference, or opinion. Evidence that can be challenged becomes a claim which requires its own evidence. Last but not least, note that evidence alone rarely provides sufficient support for a claim: warrants serve as the glue connecting one to the other.

arguments essay writing

Previous articleElements of an Effective Argument: The ClaimNext article Elements of an Effective Argument: Warrants
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • What Does ‘Smart’ Mean in the 21st Century
  • How to Read Percentiles
  • Do SAT & ACT Subscores Matter?
  • Evaluating College ROI
  • What to Read This Summer

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

  • Get up and try again.
    by chariotlearning 3 days ago
    Get up and try again.
  • Be patient when becoming someone you haven
    by chariotlearning 1 week ago
    Be patient when becoming someone you haven't been before.
  • When someone says you can
    by chariotlearning 3 weeks ago
    When someone says you can't do it, do it twice and take pictures!
  • Set goals that are *almost* out of reach.
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    Set goals that are *almost* out of reach.
  • Life is about
    by chariotlearning 3 weeks ago
    Life is about 'not knowing' and then doing something anyway. Get good at it!
  • Being intelligent is not a felony but may get you in trouble anyway ;)
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    Being intelligent is not a felony but may get you in trouble anyway ;)
  • You have no idea what you can "survive" until you have no choice!
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    You have no idea what you can "survive" until you have no choice!
  • Do not waste time thinking about what you could have done differently. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and
    by chariotlearning 5 days ago
    Do not waste time thinking about what you could have done differently. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Upcoming Events

  1. SAT/ACT Extended Class – Summer Mornings 2022

    July 6 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  2. SAT/ACT Online Flipped Class – July 2022

    July 6 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  3. Practice SAT – Brighton (7/8/22)

    July 8 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  4. Practice ACT – Pittsford Library (7/12/22)

    July 12 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  5. SAT/ACT Extended Class – Summer Evenings 2022

    July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

View All Events

Testimonials

I think Chariot Learning is a first class business, and we will be recommending you to friends in the future.

Fern, Pittsford mom

Read more testimonials...
© 2022 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.