2.2 Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence

Welcome to 2.2! We will cover how to build an argument with relevant and strategic evidence.

Keep in mind 🧠. In any argumentative essay, incorporating evidence is crucial to persuade the reader and support the thesis statement.

What is Relevant and Strategic Evidence?

Relevant and strategic evidence refers to the specific examples and evidence from the text that are used to support the thesis statement and the argument made in the essay. Relevant evidence is directly related to the thesis statement and supports the argument being made. Strategic evidence is chosen and used in a deliberate and thoughtful way to strengthen the argument and persuade the reader.

Examples of relevant and strategic evidence include:

• Quotations from the text that demonstrate the author's intended meaning and support the thesis statement.
• Analysis of literary devices, such as imagery and symbolism, that reveal the author's purpose and meaning.
• Paraphrasing of key ideas and themes in the text that support the thesis statement and argument.
• Historical, cultural or other context that illuminates the meaning of the text and the author's intent.

When selecting and using evidence, it's important to be selective, choose the evidence that is most relevant and strongest to your argument, and use it strategically to make a convincing argument. Additionally, you should integrate and analyze the evidence in your essay, showing how it supports your thesis statement and argument.

How can I Build an Argument with Relevant and Strategic Evidence?

Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence is essential for success in AP English Language and Composition ✍️. Now, let’s discuss the importance of using relevant and strategic evidence, and provide strategies for selecting and using evidence effectively.

1. Understand the text: Before you can begin to build your argument, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the text you are analyzing. Read the text carefully and take notes on key ideas and themes.
2. Identify the main idea: Look for the main idea or message that the author is trying to convey. Consider the purpose of the text and the intended audience.
3. Develop a thesis statement: Based on your understanding of the text, come up with a thesis statement that expresses your main idea. Make sure that it is a statement and not a question or a fact.
4. Select relevant and strategic evidence: Once you have a clear thesis statement, select evidence from the text that is directly related to the thesis statement and supports the argument being made. Be selective, and choose evidence that is the most relevant and strongest to your argument. Use evidence in a deliberate and thoughtful way to strengthen the argument and persuade the reader.
5. Integrate and analyze the evidence: Use the selected evidence to support and develop your argument. Integrate the evidence into your essay by showing how it supports your thesis statement and argument. Provide a clear and concise analysis of the evidence, and explain how it supports your argument.
6. Use a variety of evidence: Using a variety of evidence will make your argument stronger. Use a combination of quotations, paraphrasing, analysis of literary devices and historical, cultural or other context to provide a well-rounded argument.
7. Be consistent: Use the evidence consistently throughout the essay, and make sure that it supports the thesis statement.
8. Be mindful of the rhetorical situation: Be aware of the intended audience and purpose of the text, and use evidence that is most persuasive to them. (Read more about identifying the purpose and intended audience of a text in the Topic 1.1 study guide.)

By following these strategies, you will be able to build a strong argument with relevant and strategic evidence. It will help you to write a persuasive and well-supported essay that will be well-received by the reader. Remember, the goal of using evidence is to strengthen and support your argument, and to persuade your reader to accept your thesis statement.