1. IRREFUTABLE, UNLESS PROVEN OTHERWISE Facts

2. Facts are… Facts are considered to be information that is and can be objectively verified, which means the information was checked for accuracy without the influence of personal opinions. Although a concept might be at one point considered fact, new evidence can always emerge and bump it from its “factual” status, which is a good reason to include the most up to date research in your writing.

3. Facts Facts can appear in the following forms  Statistics  Examples  Expert Testimony or Opinion  Anecdotes

4. Statistics Statistics—numerical data—are some of the most effective support because on the surface numerical data appears to be one dimensional, right or wrong, like a math problem. Audiences tend to think of statistics as if they are not up for interpretation. Statistics, while verifiable, can be interpreted in several ways. Be on the look out for any personal biases that might creep into statistics. Make sure you know who is presenting the statistics and what they are trying to represent before you incorporate them into your paper.

5. Example Statistics Some examples of statistics are as follows:  87% of bobble-head dolls break in the first 6 months of ownership  15% of people who own sea monkeys can actually keep their names straight. The remaining 85% have real lives.  7 out of every 10 seniors at our high school graduate on time and go on to attend a four-year university.

6. Let’s look at that last statistic for a minute 7 out of 10 seniors graduate on time and go on to attend a four-year university. What could this imply?  3 out of 10 seniors either do not graduate on time or they do not go on to a four-year degree  Nothing is mentioned about those 7 out of 10 seniors completing a four-year degree. All that is said is that they go on to a four-year university.  It is important to think of what the statistic might imply  It is important to look closely at the wording of a statistic In this example, rather than say “completes a four-year degree” it only says “go on to a four-year university”

7. Example An example will usually make general connections to the topic or point the writer is trying to make When using an example, make sure that the example is demonstrating the exact qualities that you are trying to highlight or emphasize in your argument  The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is an example of metamorphosis.  In this instance, the student might be writing about the concept of “metamorphosis” and is using an example to illustrate the particular definition he or she is operating under.

8. Expert Testimony and Opinion The opinion or testimony of an expert on your chosen topic will go a long way to adding credibility to your argument.  Make sure the expert you cite is really an acknowledged expert on your topic  Make sure the expert’s work is recent, up-to-date, and not out-dated  Do not rely too heavily on experts, they are not a good substitute for your own reasoning An example of expert testimony and opinion is:  Dr. Ignatio Fuegen, an expert on metamorphosis, agrees that a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is an example of metamorphosis

9. Anecdotes Anecdotes are interesting short stories regarding a real person or a real event (they are not hypothetical). Anecdotes are effective because they take a hypothetical or theoretical situation and ground it in a real-life situation.  “This happened, here let me quick tell you”  They come across as quick and somewhat informal examples  Example: Just last night, a plow destroyed Bob’s mailbox. That’s the third mailbox this week, so far. Someone needs to call the city. Something needs to be done about this.