Question

Which of the following are examples of Anecdotes?
Check all that apply.
(5 points)
I once used a flashy infographic to argue that energy drinks were healthier than soda because it had “more
vitamins.” My teacher pulled up a nutrition report and showed me sugar content, heart-rate studies, and
FDA labeling rules. My entire argument collapsed under real evidence—but so did my embarrassment
when I realized I’d learned a lifelong lesson about credible sources.
I once watched a documentary narrated by a man introduced as a “historical expert.” Curious, I googled
him and found out he was an actor reading a script. That moment taught me that even informational text
requires source verification—credentials matter.
Nonfiction teaches us to think critically, and critical thinking is the real lesson of nonfiction.
We look for evidence in the text, and the text becomes strong through our evidence.

Answer 1

Select the first and second items.

- Yes (Anecdote): "I once used a flashy infographic..." — a brief, personal story about a specific event.
- Yes (Anecdote): "I once watched a documentary..." — another short personal account.
- No: "Nonfiction teaches us to think critically..." — a general statement, not a personal story.
- No: "We look for evidence in the text..." — a general claim, not an anecdote.