According to the material, what forms of evidence prove your argument?

• A. Personal opinions.
• B. Anecdotes from memory.
• C. Vague impressions.
• D. Statistics, illustrations, speeches or direct quotes that prove your argument.

Answer: (D)

Solid, verifiable evidence strengthens your argument because it can be checked and weighed by readers. The forms that prove a claim well are statistics, illustrations, speeches, or direct quotes. Statistics provide measurable data that show trends or comparisons. Illustrations give concrete examples that ground abstract points in real cases. Speeches or statements from credible sources show authority and support from experts or authorities. Direct quotes preserve exact language from sources, enabling precise attribution and discussion. Together, these kinds of evidence offer objective support that readers can verify, making the argument more convincing.

Personal opinions, anecdotes from memory, and vague impressions are less reliable because they reflect a single perspective, aren’t easily generalizable, and can’t be independently verified, so they don’t prove the claim as effectively as the listed types.