(The teacher will show a PowerPoint presentation and discuss what is an evidence and its types.
• EVIDENCE
Evidence is the information that helps in the formation of a conclusion or judgment. Whether you
know it or not, you provide evidence in most of your conversations – they’re all the things you say
to try and support your claims.
TYPES OF EVIDENCES
1. Statistical Evidence
Statistical evidence is the kind of data people tend to look for first when trying to prove a point. .
2. Testimonial Evidence
Testimonial evidence is another type of evidence that is commonly turned to by people trying to
prove a point. Commercials that use spokespersons to testify about the quality of a company’s
product, lawyers who rely on eye-witness accounts to win a case, and students who quote an
authority in their essays are all using testimonial evidence.
3. Anecdotal Evidence
Often dismissed as untrustworthy and meaningless, anecdotal evidence is one of the more
underutilized types of evidence. Anecdotal evidence is evidence that is based on a person’s
observations of the world. It can actually be very useful for disproving generalizations because all
you need is one example that contradicts a claim.
Be careful when using this type of evidence to try and support your claims. One example of a non-
native English speaker who has perfect grammar does NOT prove that ALL non-native English
speakers have perfect grammar. All the anecdote can do is disprove the claim that all immigrants
who are non-native English speakers have terrible grammar.
You CAN use this type of evidence to support claims, though, if you use it in conjunction with other
types of evidence. Personal observations can serve as wonderful examples to introduce a topic and
build it up – just make sure you include statistical evidence so the reader of your paper doesn’t
question whether your examples are just isolated incidents.
4. Analogical Evidence
The last type of evidence is called analogical evidence. It is also underutilized, but this time for a
reason. Analogies are mainly useful when dealing with a topic that is under-researched. If you are
on the cutting edge of an issue, you’re the person breaking new ground. When you don’t have
statistics to refer to or other authorities on the matter to quote, you have to get your evidence from
somewhere. Analogical evidence steps in to save the day.
Analogical evidence uses a comparison of things that are similar to draw an analogy. Anecdotal evidence
consists of stories that support or refute a conclusion. This is a testimony or document that is used to
help prove that someone acted in a particular way based on the person's character.
EXAMPLES
Statistical Evidence
1. "According to the World Health Organization, over 7 million deaths have been confirmed due to
COVID-19 worldwide."
2. "Studies show that students who sleep at least 8 hours a night perform 20% better on tests."
3. "In 2023, 60% of households in the United States recycled their waste regularly."
4. "A survey found that 85% of people prefer shopping online because of convenience."
5. "Research shows that wearing seat belts reduces the risk of death in car accidents by 45%."
Testimonial Evidence
6. "My doctor said that drinking water first thing in the morning helps boost metabolism."
7. "A famous athlete shared in an interview that daily meditation improved their focus and
performance."
8. "Our science teacher said recycling plastic is one of the easiest ways to help the environment."
9. "A nutritionist on TV recommended eating leafy greens to strengthen your immune system."
10. "My grandmother always says that home-cooked meals are healthier than fast food."
Anecdotal Evidence
11. "Last year, my friend started exercising regularly, and now they feel more energetic and
healthier."
12. "I once tried skipping breakfast, and I felt tired all day."
13. "When my neighbor planted a garden, they noticed their grocery bills went down."
14. "One time, my cousin left their phone in the sun, and it stopped working."
15. "I studied for my math test with a friend, and we both scored better than usual."
Analogical Evidence
16. "Learning to ride a bike is like learning to write an essay—you need to practice each step until
you feel confident."
17. "Saving money is like planting a tree: the earlier you start, the bigger it grows over time."
18. "A healthy diet is like maintaining a car—you need the right fuel to keep it running well."
19. "Studying for exams is like training for a race—you can’t succeed without preparation."
20. "Building a strong friendship is like growing a garden—it takes time, care, and patience."
Anecdotal Evidence:
Source: It is typically a personal story or individual experience shared by someone (often informal).
Purpose: It’s used to illustrate a point or support an argument based on someone's own experience.
However, anecdotal evidence may not be representative of a larger group or scientifically verified.
Example:
"When my cousin started drinking more water, she felt more energetic every day."
This is a personal story shared by someone about their own experience.
Testimonial Evidence:
Source: It usually comes from a recognized expert or someone with authority in a specific field. It’s often
more formal and may be used to lend credibility to an argument.
Purpose: Testimonial evidence is used to support a claim by providing the authority or credibility of the
person making the statement. Testimonials are considered more reliable than anecdotal evidence
because they come from experts.
Example:
"My doctor told me that drinking water first thing in the morning boosts metabolism."
This is a statement from an expert (a doctor), providing credible support for the claim.
Anecdotal: Personal experiences.
Testimonial: Statements from experts or authorities.
Purpose:
Anecdotal: To share personal experience, but may not be universally applicable.
Testimonial: To provide professional or authoritative support for a claim, often with more
credibility.
Here are real-life examples of each type of evidence:
Statistical Evidence
1. 80% of people who exercise regularly report feeling more energetic throughout the day.
2. A study found that 60% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
3. The average American spends 5.1 hours per day on their smartphone.
4. Research shows that 75% of high school students report experiencing stress before exams.
5. According to a 2021 survey, 70% of employees are working remotely at least part-time.
6. 92% of doctors recommend vaccination for children.
7. A poll found that 65% of voters support stricter gun control laws.
8. Data shows that the global poverty rate has decreased by 20% over the last decade.
9. 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce, according to various studies.
10. A report by the U.S. Census Bureau found that the median household income was $68,700 in
2020.
11. 85% of students who take advanced placement courses have higher college graduation rates.
12. An environmental study found that cities with more green spaces have 15% less air pollution.
13. In 2020, the unemployment rate in the U.S. peaked at 14.8%.
14. A survey found that 85% of people feel happier when they exercise regularly.
15. A study by the American Cancer Society revealed that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer
by 20 times.
16. Data shows that people who get seven to eight hours of sleep each night live longer on average.
17. In a poll, 90% of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable products.
18. 65% of Americans said they believe climate change is a serious issue.
19. Research shows that children who read at least 20 minutes a day perform better in school.
20. 40% of people in the U.S. report using social media as their primary news source.
Testimonial Evidence
1. A doctor testifies in court about the effects of smoking on lung health.
2. An employee shares their experience of working at a company with excellent benefits.
3. A teacher provides a personal account of how a student's behavior improved after receiving
tutoring.
4. A professional athlete speaks out about overcoming injuries to win a championship.
5. A lawyer shares their experience winning a difficult case due to strategic legal arguments.
6. A survivor of a car accident testifies about how seat belts saved their life.
7. A veteran shares their personal experiences during military service in a documentary.
8. An author gives a talk on how writing has helped them cope with personal challenges.
9. A chef discusses how learning culinary skills transformed their career.
10. A psychologist shares how cognitive-behavioral therapy helped their patients with anxiety.
11. An environmentalist speaks on the positive impact of reducing carbon emissions.
12. A patient gives a testimony about how a particular treatment helped them recover from an
illness.
13. A farmer discusses how crop rotation techniques have improved their yields over the years.
14. An entrepreneur shares the story of how they built their business from scratch.
15. A public figure shares their personal account of overcoming addiction.
16. A parent talks about how their child’s life was improved after a school intervention program.
17. A police officer testifies about the benefits of community policing in reducing crime.
18. A customer shares their experience with a particular brand and how it met their needs.
19. A teacher discusses the positive changes they’ve seen in their students after introducing a new
teaching method.
20. A scientist speaks on the successful use of gene therapy in treating certain genetic disorders.
Anecdotal Evidence
1. A friend tells a story about how their diet change led to weight loss.
2. A colleague shares a personal experience of how working remotely improved their work-life
balance.
3. A family member recounts how a new medical treatment helped them recover from an illness.
4. Someone mentions how they once saved money by cutting out unnecessary subscriptions.
5. A person shares a story of how they lost their job but found a better one shortly after.
6. A traveler talks about a life-changing experience they had while volunteering abroad.
7. A neighbor tells a story about how their child’s performance in school improved after getting a
tutor.
8. A person shares how they overcame public speaking anxiety by attending a workshop.
9. A student talks about how studying abroad changed their perspective on life.
10. A person recounts an experience where a positive attitude helped them through a difficult
situation.
11. A parent shares how their child’s behavior improved after they took a parenting class.
12. A customer tells about a time when a company went above and beyond to resolve a problem.
13. Someone talks about how using a planner made them more productive at work.
14. A person shares how volunteering at a shelter gave them a new sense of purpose.
15. A friend talks about how they got over their fear of flying after taking a flight with a therapist.
16. A student mentions how studying in a group helped them pass an exam.
17. A person recounts how they made lifelong friends after joining a local sports league.
18. A colleague shares how a specific time management technique helped them succeed at work.
19. A person talks about how a particular hobby helped them reduce stress and anxiety.
20. A friend tells a story about how an inspirational book changed their outlook on life.
Analogical Evidence
1. A person compares how regularly maintaining a car is similar to taking care of your body to stay
healthy.
2. A manager argues that running a business is like gardening; it requires time, patience, and
attention to grow.
3. A teacher explains that learning a new language is like learning how to play an instrument—it
requires practice and dedication.
4. A coach compares a sports team’s need for collaboration to an orchestra, where each player
must work in harmony.
5. A health expert compares maintaining a healthy diet to maintaining a balanced budget; both
require planning and discipline.
6. A motivational speaker compares overcoming life challenges to climbing a mountain, where
perseverance leads to success.
7. A designer compares building a website to designing a home; every small detail contributes to
the final product.
8. A scientist likens the process of experimentation to solving a puzzle, where each piece is
necessary for the whole picture.
9. A manager compares leading a team to being the captain of a ship, where everyone plays a
crucial role in reaching the destination.
10. A financial expert compares saving money to planting seeds that will eventually grow into
something valuable.
11. A teacher compares learning math to learning how to cook—understanding the fundamentals is
key before adding complexity.
12. An athlete compares their workout routine to a training regimen, where consistent effort yields
results over time.
13. A health professional compares mindfulness practices to sharpening a knife—regular
maintenance keeps the mind clear and focused.
14. A marketing expert compares branding a product to crafting a story that resonates with the
audience.
15. An economist compares market trends to weather patterns, where small changes can have
significant effects.
16. A writer compares building a character in a story to sculpting a statue, where every decision
shapes the final form.
17. A coach compares building endurance in running to building mental resilience; both require
gradual effort.
18. A parent compares setting boundaries with children to creating a garden fence to protect the
plants inside.
19. A therapist compares building trust in a relationship to building a strong foundation for a house;
it’s crucial for long-term stability.
These examples show how each type of evidence can be used effectively to support an argument or
claim in real-world contexts.
Got it! Here's a condensed 3-minute version of the "Who is the Killer?" game:
Who is the Killer?
Theme: Evidence Analysis
Objective: Quickly analyze the evidence and identify the killer in just 3 minutes!
Setup
1. Story Background:
"A famous painting has been stolen from the art gallery. The thief knocked out the security
guard and fled. Four suspects were near the gallery at the time of the theft. It’s your job to find
out who did it based on the evidence provided!"
2. Suspects and Evidence:
o Four suspect profiles, each with a brief alibi.
o Three pieces of evidence (e.g., footprints, a dropped item, and a witness statement).
Gameplay
1. Quick Intro (30 seconds)
The teacher gives a 1-2 sentence overview of the crime and introduces the suspects briefly.
2. Present Evidence (1 minute)
Students are shown three pieces of evidence:
Footprint: Found near the crime scene, matches a specific shoe size.
Dropped Scarf: Belongs to one suspect.
Witness Statement: Someone saw a person in a red coat running away.
3. Rapid Discussion (1 minute)
Students (individually or in small groups) quickly analyze the evidence and compare it to the suspects’
profiles.
Example suspect info:
Alex: Wears a size 9 shoe and owns a red coat.
Jordan: Wears a size 8 shoe, but their scarf matches the one found.
Taylor: Wears a size 10 shoe and wasn’t wearing red.
Riley: Wears a size 9 shoe but wasn’t near the gallery.
4. Final Accusation (30 seconds)
Each group names their suspect and explains their reasoning.
Solution
Reveal the correct answer based on the evidence. For example:
The killer is Alex, because their shoe size, red coat, and proximity to the crime scene match all
the clues.
Would you like to add more twists or specific clues to this quick game?
Here are the four suspects for the 3-minute version of the game:
Suspect Profiles
1. Alex (The Artist)
o Description: A talented artist who had a public argument with the gallery owner over
their paintings not being displayed.
o Alibi: Claims to have been sketching in the park nearby during the theft.
o Details: Wears size 9 shoes and owns a red coat.
2. Jordan (The Security Guard)
o Description: The gallery’s night security guard who was found unconscious at the scene.
o Alibi: Claims they were attacked from behind while doing their rounds.
o Details: Wears size 8 shoes and owns the scarf found at the scene.
3. Taylor (The Rival Gallerist)
o Description: Owner of a competing gallery known for rivalry with the victim’s gallery.
o Alibi: Says they were attending a private dinner across town.
o Details: Wears size 10 shoes and wasn’t wearing red that evening.
4. Riley (The Wealthy Collector)
o Description: A collector desperate to own the stolen painting, rumored to have offered
to buy it under the table.
o Alibi: Claims to have been at home all evening.
o Details: Wears size 9 shoes and doesn’t own any red clothing.
Would you like to adjust any of these suspects, or are they good to go?
Here’s a new 3-minute version of the game with fresh suspects and a different scenario:
Who is the Killer?
Theme: Evidence Analysis
Objective: Identify the killer in a new crime scenario by analyzing the evidence.
Scenario:
"A famous chef was found poisoned in their restaurant kitchen after a heated argument during a dinner
party. Four people were present at the time of the incident, each with a potential motive. It’s up to the
students to figure out who did it!"
Suspect Profiles:
1. Morgan (The Sous Chef)
o Description: The chef’s assistant, recently reprimanded for a mistake during service.
o Alibi: Claims to have been cleaning the prep area when the poisoning happened.
o Details: A bottle of cleaning liquid with their fingerprints was found near the food
station.
2. Casey (The Food Critic)
o Description: A notorious critic who had given the restaurant terrible reviews in the past.
o Alibi: Claims to have been seated at the table waiting for their meal.
o Details: A pen containing traces of the poison was found in their bag.
3. Jordan (The Owner)
o Description: The restaurant owner, rumored to be in financial trouble and frequently
argued with the chef.
o Alibi: Says they were in the office reviewing receipts.
o Details: Security footage shows them walking into the kitchen briefly before the
poisoning.
4. Blake (The Rival Chef)
o Description: A competitor who was known for a feud with the victim.
o Alibi: Claims to have been at the bar talking to the bartender.
o Details: A handwritten recipe note with traces of the poison was found in their pocket.
Evidence Clues:
1. Bottle with Poison Traces: Found at the food prep station, has Morgan’s fingerprints.
2. Pen with Poison Traces: Found in Casey’s bag, potentially used to lace the food.
3. Security Footage: Shows Jordan entering the kitchen briefly during the party.
4. Recipe Note with Poison Traces: Found in Blake’s pocket, suggesting access to the poison.
Solution:
The killer is Casey (The Food Critic).
Reasoning:
1. Motive: Casey had a history of bad reviews for the restaurant and might have wanted to
sabotage the chef.
2. Evidence: The pen in Casey’s bag had poison traces, likely used to lace the food.
3. Alibi Contradiction: Casey claims to have been at the table, but no one saw them leave their
seat to explain how the poison ended up in the food.
Alex:
Outfit: Size 9 shoes, red coat.
Look: Picture someone with a red coat, possibly standing in front of a neutral background with
their shoes visible, showing the size 9 (maybe a slightly larger or smaller fit depending on their
foot). The focus could be on their coat color.
Jordan:
Outfit: Size 8 shoes, scarf matching the one found.
Look: A person wearing a scarf that could stand out, perhaps in a pattern or color. Their shoes
should look a size 8, and the scarf can be featured prominently, as it's an important clue.
Taylor:
Outfit: Orange attire, size 10 shoes, not wearing red.
Look: The person could be wearing an orange jacket, shirt, or something similar, with shoes that
appear slightly larger, marked as a size 10. They should be styled so the orange color stands out,
with no hint of red.
Riley:
Outfit: Pink clothes, size 9 shoes, not near the gallery.
Look: Riley should have pink clothing, and the shoes should be size 9. This character wouldn’t be
connected to the gallery, so they might appear casual or laid-back in their photo.