aice global perspectives

Strengths of Evidence

Q: What is a strength when an author uses firsthand sources?
A: Increases credibility because it's from someone with direct experience.

Q: Why is using expert sources a strength?
A: Shows the author consulted knowledgeable professionals.

Q: Why is using statistics a strength?
A: Quantifies the issue, making it easier to understand and more persuasive.

Q: How is plausible evidence a strength?
A: Supports the author's claim in a believable way.

Q: Why is providing background information a strength?
A: Helps readers understand the context of the argument.

Q: How is a motive to be accurate a strength?
A: Author’s reputation (e.g., journalist or academic) encourages reliability.

Q: Why is global evidence a strength?
A: Makes the argument more universal and applicable worldwide.

Q: How is balance of evidence a strength?
A: Acknowledges both sides, increasing fairness and trust.

Weaknesses of Evidence

Q: What is a weakness when evidence lacks representativeness?
A: One person’s experience may not reflect the wider issue.

Q: Why is vague statistical data a weakness?
A: Wide ranges or unclear data reduce reliability.

Q: How are unreliable sources a weakness?
A: Biased or unqualified sources lower credibility.

Q: What is a weakness when there’s a lack of context?
A: Makes it hard to interpret the data meaningfully.

Q: Why is the use of estimated statistics a weakness?
A: It introduces uncertainty and weakens the argument.

Q: How is a lack of balance a weakness?
A: Only shows one side, creating bias.

Q: Why is unsourced evidence a weakness?
A: Claims with no attribution are hard to verify.

Q: How are future predictions a weakness?
A: They're speculative and not guaranteed to happen.