Evaluating claims and evidence

evidence

opinion

reasoning

claim

Over 95% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each year.

Middle-School students should have daily recess time.

When surveyed, 98% of snack-food eaters responded that Twinkies were their favorite snack.

The population of Evansville, Indiana has fallen by 15% in the past five years.

A statement of conclusion that answers the original question/problem.

Scientific data that supports the claim

Explains why and how the evidence actually connects and supports the claim.

Empirical Evidence

Claim

Evidence

Reason

Thesis Statement

When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

At one school that recently required students to wear uniforms, attendence rates went up, and behavior incidents went down.

School uniforms can be ordered online .

claim

evidence

observation

reasoning