Evidence and opinions

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When Writing an Argument...

• State your opinion --> THESIS
• Know your audience-"What will they likely respond to?" and "What kind of language do you need to use to get your point across?"
• Choose good evidence to support it-"Facts/Statistics ," "Statements from authorities/experts ," "Personal/emotional stories"

What is Better: Opinions or Evidence?

need BOTH to make an argument

• You need BOTH to make an argument.
• All opinion with no evidence = uniformed, irrational
• All evidence with no opinion =information only
• The key is to have good balance between the two!
• Know the difference!

Separating Opinion from Evidence

Opinion=Subjective

• I-statements concerning what you believe (however in you essay you will express it with third person narrative)
• Modifiers - Adjective and Adverbs
• Qualifiers-Some, most, all Should, could, might, must
• Intensifiers-Very, extremely, really

Evidence=Objective

• Absolute & concrete
• Can be proven
• Supported by research or fact-finding

Qualifiers

• Create doubt or express “hedging” if you are trying to make reader reconsider facts/evidence
• "Richard Nixon probably resigned because of Watergate."
• "Richard Nixon resigned because of Watergate."

Intensifiers

• Words that limit or enhance characteristics of modifiers
• Texting while driving is extremely dangerous.
• Most people believe the rumors to be somewhat true.
• It’s highly unlikely that the law will pass the Senate.

Examples

• OPINION: GCU is one of the best universities in the state.
• EVIDENCE: Approximately 72,500 students attend GCU.
• EVIDENCE: Classrooms at GCU are equipped with the latest technology.
• OPINION: We should do more as a community to help students.

More Examples

• EVIDENCE: Dr. Garcia, a leading expert on education, says that too many students fall behind.
• OPINION: A student named Jake said he dropped out because his work schedule and family demands became too overwhelming.

Remember For this Essay

• Opinion and Evidence must go together
• The claim in your thesis and subtopics are your stance (opinion using third person narrative)
• The research is your evidence to back up your stance
• AVOID writing an expository type essay that only explains the issues
• CREATE a clear stance on your issue and only use evidence to SUPPORT

Lastly, create a clear OPINION (thesis statement) with your own three reasons addressing your issue and only use EVIDENCE to support Your View.