How to tell if evidence is relevant for a claim (6th grade ELA)

Question

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm trying to figure out how to tell if evidence actually supports a claim in my ELA class. It's kinda confusing! 🤔 Anyone have a simple way to understand it?

green.william67 · Accepted Answer

📚 Defining Relevant Evidence
In English Language Arts, evidence is relevant when it directly supports or proves the claim you are trying to make. Think of it like this: your claim is the main idea, and the evidence is what helps convince someone that your idea is right. If the evidence doesn't connect to the claim, it's not relevant!
📜 A Little History
The idea of using relevant evidence isn't new. For centuries, people have used evidence to support their arguments in writing, speeches, and debates. Ancient philosophers like Aristotle emphasized the importance of logical reasoning and using evidence to persuade others. Over time, the principles of relevant evidence have become key in fields like law, science, and, of course, English Language Arts.
🔑 Key Principles of Relevance

🎯 Direct Connection: The evidence must clearly relate to the claim. It shouldn't be about something else entirely.
  🔗 Logical Support: The evidence should make the claim more believable. It strengthens the argument.
  🔎 Specificity: The evidence should be specific enough to make a real impact. Vague or general evidence isn't as helpful.
  ⚖️ Sufficiency: Provide enough relevant evidence to convince your reader. One piece of evidence might not be enough.

🌍 Real-World Examples
Let's imagine the claim: "Chocolate makes people happy." Here are some examples of relevant and irrelevant evidence:

Evidence
    Relevant?
    Why?

A study shows that eating chocolate releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
    Yes
    It directly connects chocolate consumption to a chemical reaction that makes people happier.

Chocolate is a popular dessert around the world.
    No
    While true, it doesn't explain why chocolate is popular or how it relates to happiness.

My friend smiled after eating a chocolate bar.
    Yes (but weak on its own)
    It provides a specific example of someone experiencing happiness after eating chocolate. More examples would be stronger.

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans.
    No
    This is a factual statement about the origin of chocolate but doesn't support the claim about happiness.

💡 Tips for Finding Relevant Evidence

🧐 Analyze the Claim: Understand exactly what the claim is arguing.
  📚 Research Thoroughly: Look for sources that directly address the topic of the claim.
  ✍️ Take Detailed Notes: Record specific pieces of information that support the claim.
  🤔 Ask "How Does This Connect?" For each piece of evidence, ask yourself how it logically supports the claim.

📝 Conclusion
Identifying relevant evidence is a crucial skill in ELA. By understanding the principles of direct connection, logical support, and specificity, you can effectively strengthen your arguments and convince your audience. Keep practicing, and you'll become a master of relevant evidence in no time! ✨

How to tell if evidence is relevant for a claim (6th grade ELA)

1 Answers

📚 Defining Relevant Evidence

📜 A Little History

🔑 Key Principles of Relevance

🌍 Real-World Examples

💡 Tips for Finding Relevant Evidence

📝 Conclusion

Join the discussion

Evidence	Relevant?	Why?
A study shows that eating chocolate releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.	Yes	It directly connects chocolate consumption to a chemical reaction that makes people happier.
Chocolate is a popular dessert around the world.	No	While true, it doesn't explain why chocolate is popular or how it relates to happiness.
My friend smiled after eating a chocolate bar.	Yes (but weak on its own)	It provides a specific example of someone experiencing happiness after eating chocolate. More examples would be stronger.
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans.	No	This is a factual statement about the origin of chocolate but doesn't support the claim about happiness.