Writing from Sources Notes
Writing From Sources Notes
Chapter 1: “Understanding Evidence and Reasoning” to Exercise 6 (p. 40-62) 1) The credibility of the thesis depends on the evidence and reasoning. a) Evidence refers to any kind of concrete information that can support a thesis. Evidence can take several forms: i) Facts and statistics, especially in social science. ii) Surveys (1) Depend on generalizing from a representative sample, based on an appropriate “population” (use limited evidence to predict opinions of a much larger group by assuming the opinions of a smaller group reflect proportionately to the opinions of the larger) iii) Examples- a single representative instance that serves to support a thesis. iv) Anecdotes- stories- extended examples with a beginning, middle, and end- that illustrate the point the author wants to make. (2) Attract and interest the reader, but do not prove a thesis. v) Appeal to authority- authors often support their thesis by referring to their own work or work of other acknowledged authorities. (3) Data and examples are more credible when endorsed by sources with a reputation as experts in the field. (4) Should provide reasonable detail in these cases, and, if possible, convey the strength of the source’s credentials. 2) Questions to ask when looking for evidence: b) Does the author use facts and/or statistics to support the thesis? If so, do they seem reliable? c) Does the author use examples and anecdotes? If so, are they the main or only evidence for the thesis? d) Are the sources for the evidence acknowledged? e) Do these sources seem credible? f) Are there some points that aren’t supported by evidence? g) Does the author seem biased? h) Based on the evidence provided, do you accept the author’s thesis? 3) Implications i) Explicit statements within a piece also include
Chapter 1: “Understanding Evidence and Reasoning” to Exercise 6 (p. 40-62) 1) The credibility of the thesis depends on the evidence and reasoning. a) Evidence refers to any kind of concrete information that can support a thesis. Evidence can take several forms: i) Facts and statistics, especially in social science. ii) Surveys (1) Depend on generalizing from a representative sample, based on an appropriate “population” (use limited evidence to predict opinions of a much larger group by assuming the opinions of a smaller group reflect proportionately to the opinions of the larger) iii) Examples- a single representative instance that serves to support a thesis. iv) Anecdotes- stories- extended examples with a beginning, middle, and end- that illustrate the point the author wants to make. (2) Attract and interest the reader, but do not prove a thesis. v) Appeal to authority- authors often support their thesis by referring to their own work or work of other acknowledged authorities. (3) Data and examples are more credible when endorsed by sources with a reputation as experts in the field. (4) Should provide reasonable detail in these cases, and, if possible, convey the strength of the source’s credentials. 2) Questions to ask when looking for evidence: b) Does the author use facts and/or statistics to support the thesis? If so, do they seem reliable? c) Does the author use examples and anecdotes? If so, are they the main or only evidence for the thesis? d) Are the sources for the evidence acknowledged? e) Do these sources seem credible? f) Are there some points that aren’t supported by evidence? g) Does the author seem biased? h) Based on the evidence provided, do you accept the author’s thesis? 3) Implications i) Explicit statements within a piece also include