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Consider the Use of Evidence

Evidence is information offered to support a point. Statistics, facts, expert opinions, and firsthand accounts are among the many types of evidence you’ll find. As a writer, you can evaluate not only the kinds of evidence in a source but also the quality, amount, and appropriateness of that evidence. Ask yourself the following questions:

Is enough evidence offered? A lack of evidence might indicate fundamental flaws in the author’s argument.
Is the right kind of evidence offered? More evidence isn’t always better evidence. Ask whether the evidence is appropriate for the reasons being offered and whether more than one type of evidence is being used. Many sources rely far too heavily on a single type of evidence, such as personal experience or quotations from experts.
Is the evidence used fairly? Look for reasonable alternative interpretations, questionable or inappropriate use of evidence, and evidence that seems to contradict points made elsewhere in a source. If statistics are included, are they interpreted fairly or presented clearly? If a quotation is offered to support a point, is the quotation used appropriately?
Are sources identified? Knowing the origins of evidence can make a significant difference in your evaluation of a source. For example, if a writer quotes a political poll but doesn’t say which organization conducted the poll, you might reasonably question the reliability of the source.