Including evidence in essays increases the reliability and credibility of the writer's claims. Backed-up arguments and facts support that the author has done research, which enhances their perceived authority on the subject.
2. Supporting Claims:
Evidence plays a crucial role in verifying and justifying the thesis statement and main points of the essay. It shows the reader the reasoning and foundation behind the writer's arguments, making them well-rounded and persuasive.
3. Academic Integrity:
Academic writing demands proper attribution of sources to avoid plagiarism. Citing evidence gives credit to authors of references and shows that writers respect intellectual property.
4. Engaging the Reader:
Incorporating evidence keeps the reader engaged and interested. It breaks the monotony of the essay and allows the reader to interact with different sources and perspectives.
5. Strengthening Analysis:
Evidence adds a level of depth to the analysis. By presenting different angles, writers can develop more intricate arguments and demonstrate their critical thinking skills.
6. Avoiding Fallacies:
Including evidence helps writers steer clear of logical fallacies. Without evidence, arguments can be dismissed as mere opinions lacking substantiation.
7. Enhancing Understanding:
Evidence can offer real-life examples, statistics, and research that enriches the reader's understanding of complex topics. It simplifies complex concepts and makes the essay more accessible.
8. Fostering Discussion:
Evidence provides a ground for further discussion. Readers may want to explore the sources used by the writer or consider other evidence for a deeper analysis of the subject.
9. Promoting Objectivity:
In presenting evidence, writers can show their objectivity by presenting facts rather than solely relying on personal opinions or biases.
10. Developing Critical Thinking:
Writing essays with evidence encourages writers to conduct thorough research, compare different sources, and synthesize information from multiple viewpoints, sharpening their critical thinking abilities.
11. Building a Foundation:
Evidence sets a foundation for further research on a topic. Other scholars and writers can use essays backed by evidence as starting points for their own work.