Research arguments become more credible when writers understand what kind of evidence they are using. This lesson distinguishes verifiable facts from inferences, expert opinion, and firsthand testimony, and explains how each can contribute to an argument.
A fact is a claim that can be checked against reliable evidence. For example, the claim that Alaska has the largest land area of any U.S. state can be verified using geographic data. A reader's personal opinion does not determine whether the claim is accurate.
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Fact
Information that can be checked against reliable evidence. Writers should still consider its accuracy, relevance, and context.
Inference
A conclusion drawn by combining evidence with reasoning or knowledge; it is not a directly verified fact.
How do facts and inferences differ in an argument?
Facts provide verifiable information; inferences interpret that information and suggest what it may mean.
Expert opinion
A judgment informed by relevant training and experience. Its qualifications, relevance, and supporting evidence should still be considered.
Personal testimony
Firsthand knowledge of what someone observed or experienced; it does not by itself establish how common an event is.
Quiz questions
What distinguishes a fact from an inference?Answer: A fact can be checked against evidence; an inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.
A student visits five classes and sees no minority students in them. Why would a claim that the college has very few minority students be an inference?Answer: The observations do not establish the enrollment of the entire college.
Which consideration makes an expert's opinion more useful as evidence?Answer: The expert's training and experience are relevant to the subject.
A witness describes an incident they personally observed. What can the testimony directly support?Answer: An account of what the witness saw or experienced.
A writer presents a factual statistic without context, leading readers to conclude more than the statistic establishes. What is the main problem?Answer: The statistic is being used to imply more than its evidence supports.
Based on Writing Guide with Handbook by Michelle Bachelor Robinson, Maria Jerskey, featuring Toby Fulwiler (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.