{"id":213,"date":"2025-04-17T16:35:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T16:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/text-applying-evidence\/"},"modified":"2025-06-26T20:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T20:49:56","slug":"text-applying-evidence","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/text-applying-evidence\/","title":{"raw":"Finding Evidence: Learn It 3","rendered":"Finding Evidence: Learn It 3"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>Using Evidence<\/h2>\r\nDepending upon the purpose of the assignment, research can be used to accomplish many things. Whether you are writing to inform, persuade, or critique, research can be used in conjunction with your own ideas to support your thesis and your purpose. You can not let the research speak for itself. You, the writer of the document, are the most important voice. You are using outside sources to support your thesis. Therefore, let your comments, connections, objections, etc. play the strongest role in your paper for your audience.\r\n\r\nIn practical terms, some ways to develop and back up your assertions include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Blend sources with your\u00a0assertions.<\/strong>\u00a0Organize your sources so that they blend within paragraphs. Your paper\u2014both as a whole\u00a0and at the paragraph level\u2014should aim to reveal relationships between your own ideas and those of your sources.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Write an original introduction and conclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0Make your introduction and conclusion reflect your ideas and understanding from\u00a0your research. Use sources minimally in your introduction and conclusion.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Open and close paragraphs with originality.<\/strong> Use the openings and closings of your paragraphs as a way to guide your readers through your thinking on the topic.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Use transparent rhetorical strategies.<\/strong> When appropriate, practice such rhetorical strategies as analysis, synthesis, comparison, contrast, summary, description, definition, evaluation, classification, and even narration. Show your reader that you are\u00a0<em>thinking<\/em>\u00a0as you write.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\" aria-label=\"Example\">\r\n<h3>MEAL Paragraphs<\/h3>\r\nYour paragraphs in a research paper will focus on presenting the information you found in your source material and commenting on or analyzing that information.\u00a0<em>It\u2019s not enough to simply present the information in your body paragraphs and move on. You want to give that information a purpose and connect it to your main idea or thesis statement.<\/em>\r\n\r\nYour body paragraphs in a research paper will include\u00a0summarizing,\u00a0paraphrasing, and\u00a0quoting\u00a0your source material, but you may be wondering if there is an effective way to organize this information.\r\n\r\nDuke University coined a term called the \u201cMEAL Plan\u201d that provides an effective structure for paragraphs in an academic research paper: Main Idea, Evidence, Analysis, and Lead out, or Link. Select the pluses to learn more about what each letter stands for. Click on the plus signs to read more about the main idea, evidence, analysis, and lead out.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1290979655924161768\/embed\" width=\"1088\" height=\"565\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/section>Anytime you include evidence in your paper, you must clarify where your own ideas end and the cited information begins. Part of your job is to help your reader draw the line between your original thoughts and your research. The best way to do this is to create context for the cited information. A phrase such as \u201cA 1979 study reveals\u2026\u201d is an obvious announcement of a citation to come.\r\n\r\nWhen you quote or paraphrase an outside source, provide appropriate in-text citations. Following the citation, you must comment on this information: its significance, relevance, or even failure of the information as it relates to the thesis of your essay. Avoid stacking together quote after quote without showing your audience the purpose of the information. Always provide context for what you think of a citation and how it relates to your thesis.\r\n\r\nIt is essential to use outside sources to support your argument. In many cases, researching will reveal evidence that might relate to the topic but does not support your position or \u201cside\u201d of the argument. Many assignments will ask you to acknowledge the other sides of the argument, so be sure to research your topic thoroughly and from many angles. Don\u2019t just find sources that agree with your view. Remember that most issues are complex and have multiple \u201csides\u201d or perspectives; a simple pro-con may not help you address the nuances or complexities of issues. Listen to and understand the variety of perspectives offered.\r\n\r\nWithin the pages of your research essay, it is important to properly reference and cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and to give credit for original ideas.\r\n\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\">[ohm2_question]34386[\/ohm2_question]<\/section>","rendered":"<h2>Using Evidence<\/h2>\n<p>Depending upon the purpose of the assignment, research can be used to accomplish many things. Whether you are writing to inform, persuade, or critique, research can be used in conjunction with your own ideas to support your thesis and your purpose. You can not let the research speak for itself. You, the writer of the document, are the most important voice. You are using outside sources to support your thesis. Therefore, let your comments, connections, objections, etc. play the strongest role in your paper for your audience.<\/p>\n<p>In practical terms, some ways to develop and back up your assertions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Blend sources with your\u00a0assertions.<\/strong>\u00a0Organize your sources so that they blend within paragraphs. Your paper\u2014both as a whole\u00a0and at the paragraph level\u2014should aim to reveal relationships between your own ideas and those of your sources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Write an original introduction and conclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0Make your introduction and conclusion reflect your ideas and understanding from\u00a0your research. Use sources minimally in your introduction and conclusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open and close paragraphs with originality.<\/strong> Use the openings and closings of your paragraphs as a way to guide your readers through your thinking on the topic.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use transparent rhetorical strategies.<\/strong> When appropriate, practice such rhetorical strategies as analysis, synthesis, comparison, contrast, summary, description, definition, evaluation, classification, and even narration. Show your reader that you are\u00a0<em>thinking<\/em>\u00a0as you write.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"textbox example\" aria-label=\"Example\">\n<h3>MEAL Paragraphs<\/h3>\n<p>Your paragraphs in a research paper will focus on presenting the information you found in your source material and commenting on or analyzing that information.\u00a0<em>It\u2019s not enough to simply present the information in your body paragraphs and move on. You want to give that information a purpose and connect it to your main idea or thesis statement.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Your body paragraphs in a research paper will include\u00a0summarizing,\u00a0paraphrasing, and\u00a0quoting\u00a0your source material, but you may be wondering if there is an effective way to organize this information.<\/p>\n<p>Duke University coined a term called the \u201cMEAL Plan\u201d that provides an effective structure for paragraphs in an academic research paper: Main Idea, Evidence, Analysis, and Lead out, or Link. Select the pluses to learn more about what each letter stands for. Click on the plus signs to read more about the main idea, evidence, analysis, and lead out.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1290979655924161768\/embed\" width=\"1088\" height=\"565\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>Anytime you include evidence in your paper, you must clarify where your own ideas end and the cited information begins. Part of your job is to help your reader draw the line between your original thoughts and your research. The best way to do this is to create context for the cited information. A phrase such as \u201cA 1979 study reveals\u2026\u201d is an obvious announcement of a citation to come.<\/p>\n<p>When you quote or paraphrase an outside source, provide appropriate in-text citations. Following the citation, you must comment on this information: its significance, relevance, or even failure of the information as it relates to the thesis of your essay. Avoid stacking together quote after quote without showing your audience the purpose of the information. Always provide context for what you think of a citation and how it relates to your thesis.<\/p>\n<p>It is essential to use outside sources to support your argument. In many cases, researching will reveal evidence that might relate to the topic but does not support your position or \u201cside\u201d of the argument. Many assignments will ask you to acknowledge the other sides of the argument, so be sure to research your topic thoroughly and from many angles. Don\u2019t just find sources that agree with your view. Remember that most issues are complex and have multiple \u201csides\u201d or perspectives; a simple pro-con may not help you address the nuances or complexities of issues. Listen to and understand the variety of perspectives offered.<\/p>\n<p>Within the pages of your research essay, it is important to properly reference and cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and to give credit for original ideas.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm34386\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=34386&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm34386&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"150\"><\/iframe><\/section>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"menu_order":15,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Determine the Role of Research in Your Writing  from Horse of a Different Color: English Composition and Rhetoric \",\"author\":\"Marianne Botos, Lynn McClelland, Stephanie Polliard, and Pamela Osback \",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pvccenglish.files.wordpress.com\/2010\/09\/eng-101-inside-pages-proof2-no-pro.pdf\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Revision and Adaptation\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Incorporating Your Sources Into Your Paper\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Boundless\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.boundless.com\/writing\/textbooks\/boundless-writing-textbook\/the-research-process-2\/understanding-your-sources-265\/understanding-your-sources-62-8498\/\",\"project\":\"Boundless Writing\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Image of bricks\",\"author\":\"Tasja\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Berg_van_stenen.jpg\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"pd\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"quotation marks\",\"author\":\"Cuahl\",\"organization\":\"Wikipedia\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost\/2009-04-13\/Dispatches#\/media\/File:Cquote2.svg\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"pd\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Blending Source Material with Your Own Work\",\"author\":\"Joe Schall\",\"organization\":\"The Pennsylvania State University\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.e-education.psu.edu\/styleforstudents\/\",\"project\":\"Penn State\\'s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences OER Initiative\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"MEAL interactive\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Excelsior OWL\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/research\/drafting-and-integrating\/drafting-and-integrating-paragraphing\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":202,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":null,"internal_book_links":[],"video_content":null,"cc_video_embed_content":{"cc_scripts":"","media_targets":[]},"try_it_collection":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/213"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2642,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/213\/revisions\/2642"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/202"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/213\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=213"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=213"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}