3.3 Introducing and integrating sources and evidence

This guide will go over introducing and integrating sources and evidence.

Why is introducing evidence seamlessly important?

Introducing evidence seamlessly is important in the AP Language and Composition exam because it helps to strengthen the argument and make it more persuasive. When evidence is introduced seamlessly, it becomes part of the argument and supports the main idea, rather than standing out as separate and disconnected. This makes the argument more coherent and easier to follow, and it also makes the writer's purpose clearer to the reader.

How to introduce evidence

There are several ways to introduce evidence effectively:

1. Use a transition phrase: Begin by using a transition phrase such as "for example," "in fact," or "according to" to signal to the audience that evidence is being presented.
2. State the evidence clearly: Clearly and concisely state the evidence, whether it be a statistic, a quotation, or a fact. Make sure the evidence is relevant to the argument or claim being made.
3. Provide context for the evidence: Give the audience enough background information to understand the relevance of the evidence.
4. Explain how the evidence supports the argument: Make it clear how the evidence supports the argument or claim. Explain how it strengthens the argument, how it proves a point, or how it demonstrates a trend.
5. Cite the source of the evidence: If the evidence is from a source outside of your own work, be sure to cite the source correctly, using the appropriate citation format. Example 1

"According to a recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Science, industrial pollution is responsible for a significant percentage of the air pollution in urban areas. The study found that factories and power plants release harmful chemicals into the air, which can cause respiratory issues for residents living nearby."

In this example, the writer uses a transition phrase "According to" to signal that evidence is being presented. The evidence is clearly stated and the study is cited. The writer also provides context for the evidence and explain how it supports the argument being made.

How can we identify good use of introducing evidence?

Sample Text:

"The American education system is in dire need of reform. Standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance and should be eliminated. According to a study by the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, students who spend excessive amounts of time preparing for standardized tests score no higher on these tests than students who spend less time preparing. Furthermore, the study found that these tests do not accurately measure critical thinking skills or creativity."

1. Look for the main argument or claim: The main argument or claim in this text is that the American education system is in dire need of reform and that standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance and should be eliminated.
2. Identify supporting evidence: The text provides evidence from a study by the National Center for Fair and Open Testing that students who spend excessive amounts of time preparing for standardized tests score no higher on these tests than students who spend less time preparing.
3. Look for logical connections: The text argues that standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance, and presents evidence that these tests do not accurately measure critical thinking skills or creativity.
4. Identify counterarguments: A possible counterargument could be that some people believe that standardized tests are necessary to ensure that students are meeting certain educational standards and that they are a fair way to compare students from different schools.
5. Pay attention to the conclusion: The conclusion of the line of reasoning is that standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance and should be eliminated. The evidence provided supports this argument.

How can this be applied to the sample text seen above?

• One of the most prominent rhetorical strategies used in this text is the use of evidence. The author cites a study by the National Center for Fair and Open Testing to support their argument that standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance. This provides credibility to the author's argument and gives the audience a concrete reason to believe their claim.
• The author also uses a strong, declarative tone to assert the need for reform in the American education system. Phrases such as "Standardized testing is not an effective measure of student performance" and "The American education system is in dire need of reform" convey a sense of urgency and importance to the audience.
• Another rhetorical strategy employed in this text is the use of logical reasoning. The author presents evidence that students who spend excessive amounts of time preparing for standardized tests score no higher on these tests than students who spend less time preparing and that these tests do not accurately measure critical thinking skills or creativity. The author then logically concludes that standardized testing should be eliminated.
• In conclusion, this text effectively uses evidence, a strong tone, and logical reasoning to argue for the need for reform in the American education system, specifically the elimination of standardized testing as an effective measure of student performance.