Identify supporting evidence in a text

Key notes :

Definition of Supporting Evidence:

• Supporting evidence refers to facts, details, or examples in a text that back up the main idea or claim.
• It helps to clarify or strengthen an argument or explanation.

Types of Supporting Evidence:

• Facts and Statistics: Numbers or data that provide verifiable proof.
• Examples: Specific instances that illustrate the point being made.
• Quotations: Direct statements from credible sources or experts.
• Anecdotes: Short, personal stories that support the main idea.
• Descriptions: Detailed imagery or explanations that reinforce the claim.

Identifying Supporting Evidence:

• Read Carefully: Students should read the text thoroughly to understand the main idea.
• Look for Key Phrases: Words like “for example,” “because,” or “this shows” often signal supporting evidence.
• Ask Questions: Does this sentence explain, justify, or provide proof for the main point?

Distinguishing Between Evidence and Opinion:

• Evidence is objective and can be verified, while opinions are subjective and based on personal beliefs.
• Encourage students to focus on what can be proven through facts or examples.

Evaluating the Strength of Evidence:

• Discuss how some evidence may be stronger or more reliable than others (e.g., facts from a scientific study vs. personal anecdotes).

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