What you'll learn
How arguments are built from claims supported by evidence — both to analyze others' arguments and to write your own.
Claims
- A thesis/central claim states the main position.
- Sub-claims (reasons) support the thesis; each needs its own evidence.
- Claims should be defensible and arguable — not facts, not vague.
Types of evidence
Facts, statistics, examples, anecdotes, expert testimony, analogies, and historical/personal examples. Strong arguments use relevant, sufficient, and varied evidence.
Using evidence well
- Choose evidence that directly supports the specific claim.
- Don't just drop a quote/fact — explain how it proves the claim (this commentary is essential).
- Acknowledge counterarguments and respond (concede/refute) to strengthen credibility.
Analyzing others' evidence
Ask: is it relevant? sufficient? credible? Does it actually support the claim, or is it a logical gap/fallacy?
Exam tips
- In your essays, pair every piece of evidence with reasoning.
- In analysis, evaluate how a writer's evidence serves their argument.
Common mistakes
- Listing evidence without linking it to the claim.
- Using a vague or non-arguable thesis.