Name That Evidence!
"In a speech about perseverance, a motivational speaker shares a story about how they failed their first business but later became successful."
anecdote
"According to the CDC, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of germs."
Fact (Expert Opinion)
Claim: Exercising regularly improves heart health.
A) "I feel more energetic after I go for a run."
B) "According to the American Heart Association, regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease by 30%."
B (expert opinion)
"A historian writing about the Civil Rights Movement includes details about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and its impact on segregation laws."
historical detail
"In my experience, waking up early makes me feel more productive throughout the day."
feeling (personal observation)
A) "The World Health Organization reports that air pollution contributes to 7 million premature deaths each year."
B) "I sometimes cough when I walk through my city on a smoggy day.
A (expert opinion)
"An environmental scientist cites research from NASA that shows rising global temperatures over the past century."
expert opinion
"Studies from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that global temperatures have risen by 1.5°F over the past century."
fact (expert opinion)
Claim: Bilingualism provides cognitive benefits.
A) "A neuroscientist’s study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that bilingual individuals show increased activity in areas of the brain associated with problem-solving and memory."
B) "My cousin speaks two languages and says it helps him multitask better."
A (expert opinion)
An article about healthy eating mentions that in Japan, people tend to live longer because of their traditional diet.
example
"I believe that reading fiction is the best way to improve your imagination and creativity."
feeling (personal observation)
Claim: Factory farming has a significant environmental impact.
A) "A 2021 United Nations climate report states that large-scale livestock farming is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to methane from cattle and deforestation for grazing land."
B) "A research paper published by an agricultural economist found that while factory farms produce more emissions per facility, they also use land and water more efficiently than traditional small-scale farms, making their overall environmental impact more complex."
Answer: What is A (broad, globally recognized scientific report with direct numerical evidence)
A journalist describes their experience traveling through a war-torn country to report on the daily struggles of civilians
personal observation
"During the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg led to an increase in literacy rates across Europe."
fact (historical detail)
Claim: The Black Death had a devastating impact on Europe in the 14th century.
A) "Many historians estimate that the Black Death killed between 30-50% of Europe's population."
B) "A medieval diary describes how a family lost several relatives to the plague."
A (historical detail)