How authors support their points
Explain how an author of an informational text uses reasons and evidence to support particular points, evaluating whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient
What a learner can do afterwards
- Identify the key points an author makes in an informational text and list the specific reasons and evidence provided to support each point
- Evaluate whether the evidence an author uses (facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions) is relevant to the point being made and sufficient to be convincing
- Distinguish between well-supported claims backed by evidence and unsupported opinions or assertions in an informational text
1 · Read
When you read an article, notice the points the author makes. A good author does not just state a point. They back it up with reasons and evidence, like facts, numbers, examples, or things experts say.
An author argues recess should be longer. A weak reason sounds like this: because I said so. A strong reason sounds like this: a study found kids who get more recess pay closer attention in class afterward. The second reason gives evidence you can check.
When you check support, ask two questions. First, is it about the same thing as the point? A sentence can be true and still miss. Our dog park needs shade is not backed up by dogs love to run, because running has nothing to do with shade. Second, is there enough of it? A big point needs more than one small story. Also watch for a sentence that only says the point again in new words. Repeating is not proof.
Good evidence should be relevant, meaning it actually connects to the point, and sufficient, meaning there is enough of it. One tiny example is rarely enough to prove a big claim.
Watch for the difference between a real claim and an opinion. Ice cream is the best snack is an opinion. Ice cream outsold every other snack at the fair, according to the sales records, is a claim backed by evidence.
Find the author's point, then check if the reasons and evidence are relevant and enough to convince you.
More to read
Explaining a text's reasons and evidence
Lots of authors want you to believe their points. A point is an idea the author is trying to prove. How do they try to convince you? With reasons and evidence.
Reasons are statements that tell WHY the author believes something. Evidence is the proof that backs up a reason. Evidence can be facts, numbers and data, or true stories.
Anyone can say wild things that are not true. When you read, be a detective. Find the author's point. Then look for the reasons behind it, and check the evidence for each reason. Ask yourself: does this evidence really prove the point, or is the author just saying it is so?
A strong point has good reasons and solid evidence. A weak point has big claims but little proof.
Evaluating arguments
Here is an argument: "The world's oceans are in danger. If Nebraska would stop handing out so many fishing licenses, the oceans could heal within months."
Were you convinced? You should not be! The author made a bold claim without strong evidence. Nebraska does not even touch any ocean. It is completely surrounded by land.
An argument has parts. The claim is what the author wants you to believe. The reasoning explains how the author connects the claim to the proof. The evidence is the proof itself: facts, numbers, and examples.
To evaluate an argument, check each part. Is the claim clear? Does the evidence really relate to the claim? Is there enough evidence to be convincing? Does the reasoning make sense?
When the evidence is weak or missing, the argument falls apart, no matter how confident the author sounds.
Evaluating an argument's reasoning and evidence
Read this: "Want perfect health? All you need is a bag of Valerie's Organic Carrots! These carrots have lots of vitamins and they are organic, so they will make you totally healthy. Plus, you can't go wrong with the color orange!"
Were you convinced? Carrots are great, but there is nowhere near enough evidence here for the very bold claim that one bag of carrots cures any illness.
When you evaluate an argument, ask three questions. First, is the evidence relevant? Carrot vitamins are about carrots, not about curing every illness. Second, is the evidence sufficient? One small fact is not enough to prove a huge claim. Third, is the reasoning sound? "Orange is a good color" is not a reason at all.
A convincing argument needs evidence that fits the claim and enough of it. When the proof is thin, stay skeptical.
Supporting ideas with text evidence
People once believed that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years, and that touching a toad gives you warts. Why did they believe these things? Because they heard them and never checked for proof.
Today we can check claims against evidence. Evidence means facts and details that show an idea is true. When you read, the author should give you evidence for important ideas. When you write or speak about a text, you should point to the exact details that back you up.
Here is a good habit: whenever you say "this text says..." or "this is true because...", be ready to show the detail that proves it. A claim with evidence is strong. A claim without evidence is just a guess.
Before you believe a surprising claim, ask: what is the evidence, and does it really prove this?
Identifying main ideas
A main idea is the big idea an author wants to explain about a topic. It is what a text is mostly about. Many texts have one main idea, but some have two or more.
Authors support their main ideas with key details. Key details are the smaller facts, reasons, and examples that help explain the main idea or show why it is true.
To find the main idea, ask yourself: what is this text mostly about, and what is the author saying about it? Then hunt for the key details. Each one should connect back to the main idea like a puzzle piece.
This skill helps you with bigger reading jobs too. Once you can spot the main idea and its key details, you can also judge whether the author gave enough support to make the point convincing.
2 · Watch
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Where this leads
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