The number of pieces of evidence typically required to support an argument or claim effectively varies depending on the context and depth of the argument. However, a common guideline in academic and persuasive writing is to include at least 2 to 4 pieces of evidence per claim or body paragraph. This amount provides sufficient support to convince the audience without overwhelming them or appearing redundant.
Key Points on Evidence for Arguments:
- Minimum Pieces per Paragraph: Often at least 2 pieces of evidence are recommended per body paragraph to build a strong argument.
- Types of Evidence: Evidence can include testimonies from authorities, statistical data, examples (anecdotal, analogical), and expert opinions.
- Claim-Support Structure: Arguments usually consist of a claim, supporting reasons, and evidence to back those reasons.
- Quality Over Quantity: It is important that evidence directly relates to and strengthens the claim, and that each piece's relevance is clearly explained. More than three or four pieces of evidence may become redundant.
- Context Dependency: The subject matter affects how much and what kind of evidence is appropriate. For instance, scientific claims might require empirical data, while humanities could use more interpretive evidence.
In summary, a typical effective argument includes around 2-4 pieces of carefully chosen evidence per claim or body paragraph , with clear explanations connecting the evidence to the claim to ensure persuasiveness and credibility. This summary synthesizes recommendations from writing resources and academic guidelines to outline effective support strategies for arguments.
