To determine which claims are best supported by reasons and relevant evidence, it’s important to evaluate whether the claim is backed by logical reasoning, facts, data, or expert testimony. In a multiple-choice format, selecting the strongest claims involves analyzing how well the argument is constructed, whether the reasoning makes sense, and if there’s credible evidence to support it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide (with a table) to help identify the two best-supported claims:
How to Evaluate Claims Based on Reasons and Evidence (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Description | Execution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the Claims Carefully | Review the claims carefully to understand their meaning and overall argument. |
| 2 | Identify the Main Argument | Determine what the author is trying to prove or suggest with each claim. |
| 3 | Look for Supporting Reasons | Analyze whether the claim is backed by logical reasoning, explaining the “why” behind the statement. |
| 4 | Check for Relevant Evidence | Evaluate whether the claim is supported by concrete facts, statistics, data, or credible sources. |
| 5 | Evaluate the Strength of the Evidence | Assess whether the evidence provided is strong, up-to-date, and directly relevant to the claim. |
| 6 | Avoid Unsupported or Vague Claims | Eliminate claims that are based solely on opinion, anecdotal evidence, or vague statements without proof. |
| 7 | Select Claims with Clear and Logical Connections to the Evidence | Choose claims where the reasons clearly justify the conclusion and the evidence directly supports the claim. |
| 8 | Cross-reference Evidence from Multiple Sources (if applicable) | When possible, choose claims supported by multiple sources or studies, as this often indicates stronger evidence. |
| 9 | Reassess to Ensure the Evidence Directly Relates to the Claim | Double-check that the evidence presented actually supports the specific claim being made, without irrelevant details. |
| 10 | Select the Two Best-Supported Claims | Based on the reasons and evidence, pick the two claims that are best backed by facts and logic. |
Claims Evaluation Overview
| Criteria | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Argument | The claim clearly states an opinion or assertion that can be supported by reasoning and evidence. | “Students who attend smaller classes perform better academically.” |
| Supported by Reasoning | The claim is backed by logical reasons explaining why the assertion is true. | “Smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention, which helps students grasp difficult concepts.” |
| Relevant Evidence | The claim is supported by concrete, relevant evidence such as data, research studies, or expert testimony. | “A 2019 study by the National Education Association found that students in classes of 20 or fewer achieved 15% higher test scores on average.” |
| Avoids Opinion or Assumptions | The claim doesn’t rely solely on opinions, assumptions, or personal anecdotes without any supporting facts. | Unsupported: “I think smaller classes are better for learning.” Supported: “Research shows smaller class sizes improve learning outcomes.” |
| Multiple Sources or Consistency | The claim is backed by evidence from multiple credible sources or consistently shows the same pattern across different studies or examples. | “Three separate studies conducted by Harvard, Stanford, and the NEA have shown that smaller class sizes lead to improved academic performance.” |
Example of Claims and Their Evaluation
| Claim | Reasons Given | Evidence Provided | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claim 1: “Recycling reduces pollution in cities.” | Recycling reduces waste in landfills, decreasing the release of methane, a greenhouse gas. | Studies show that recycling programs reduce landfill waste by 40%, leading to lower methane emissions. | Strong – backed by scientific studies and logical reasoning. |
| Claim 2: “Exercise improves mental health.” | Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress levels. | The American Psychological Association reports that regular exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. | Strong – supported by psychological studies and biological reasoning. |
| Claim 3: “Eating organic foods is always better for health.” | Organic foods are free of pesticides and are healthier than conventionally grown foods. | No concrete evidence provided that organic foods are nutritionally superior in all cases. | Weak – lacks solid, specific evidence supporting the generalization that organic is always better. |
| Claim 4: “Working from home increases productivity.” | Employees can work without distractions from the office environment. | A 2020 survey by Stanford University found that employees working from home were 13% more productive. | Strong – backed by a specific study and logical explanation. |
Notes:
- Strong Evidence: Claims backed by research, facts, or multiple sources are considered stronger and more credible.
- Weak Claims: Avoid selecting claims that rely on personal opinions or unsupported generalizations.
Would you like to review some specific claims or examples where you have to evaluate them based on reasons and evidence?