Activity 2
Evaluating the Quality and Relevance of Evidence
Objective:
Students will learn to critically evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence used to support arguments and ensure that sources are credible and appropriately cited.
Activity Steps:
1. Introduction:
- Briefly explain the importance of using high-quality, relevant evidence to support arguments.
- Discuss what makes a source credible (author expertise, publication reputation, date of publication, etc.).
- Explain the criteria for appropriate citation.
2. Evaluation Checklist:
- Is the source credible? (author qualifications, reputable publication, recent date)
- Is the evidence relevant to the argument? (directly supports the argument, contextually appropriate)
- Is the evidence accurate? (fact-checked, free of errors or misinterpretations)
- Is the source cited correctly? (appropriate citation style, complete citation information)
3. Analysis and Discussion
- Groups will use the checklist to evaluate their given excerpt.
- Each group will then present their findings to the class, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and its citation.
4. Individual Reflection
- Have students individually reflect on the exercise by writing a short paragraph on what they learned about evaluating evidence and citing sources.
- Ask them to provide an example of how they will apply this knowledge in their own writing.
Example Argument and Evidence Excerpt:
Argument: "Climate change is significantly impacting polar bear populations, leading to a decline in their numbers."
Supporting Evidence: "According to a study by Smith et al. (2020), the polar bear population in the Arctic has decreased by 30% over the past decade due to the melting of sea ice (Journal of Arctic Research)."
Evaluation Checklist Applied:
· Credibility of Source:
- Author Qualifications: Smith et al. are renowned researchers in climate science.
- Reputable Publication: Published in the Journal of Arctic Research, a peer-reviewed journal.
- Date of Publication: The study is recent, published in 2020.
· Relevance of Evidence:
- Directly supports the argument about the decline in polar bear populations due to climate change.
· Accuracy of Evidence:
- The study provides specific data (30% decrease over the past decade), which can be fact-checked.
· Citation:
- Properly cited in APA format: Smith et al. (2020), Journal of Arctic Research.
Reflection Prompt:
"Reflect on the process of evaluating evidence. What did you learn about the importance of credibility, relevance, accuracy, and proper citation? How will you apply these criteria to ensure your own writing is well-supported by quality evidence?"
This activity helps students develop critical thinking skills and ensures they understand how to use evidence effectively in their arguments.
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