Authors need to use evidence for several key reasons:
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Credibility: Incorporating evidence helps establish the author's credibility and expertise on a subject. It shows that their claims are backed by research and facts rather than mere opinion.
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Support Arguments: Evidence serves to support the author’s arguments, making them more persuasive. Well-supported claims are more likely to convince readers of the author’s viewpoint.
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Engage Readers: Providing concrete examples, statistics, or quotations can make the writing more engaging and relatable. Evidence can illustrate points effectively, making them easier for readers to understand and remember.
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Counter Objections: Evidence allows authors to anticipate and address counterarguments. By acknowledging opposing views and providing evidence to refute them, authors can strengthen their position.
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Encourage Critical Thinking: Good evidence encourages readers to think critically about the information presented. It invites them to evaluate the sources and the validity of the claims being made.
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Enhance Rigor: In academic and professional writing, using evidence is often a requirement for maintaining rigor and academic integrity. It shows careful research and thoughtfulness in the writing process.
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Build Trust: When authors use reliable sources and provide thorough evidence, they build trust with their audience. Readers are more likely to respect and value an author's work if they see a well-researched foundation.
In summary, evidence is essential for establishing credibility, supporting arguments, engaging readers, addressing objections, enhancing rigor, and building trust, all of which contribute to effective communication and persuasion.