Here's why:
* Support Your Claims: Evidence provides concrete proof for the claims you make in your topic sentence. It makes your argument stronger and more convincing.
* Credibility and Authority: Citing evidence shows that your ideas are not just your own opinions but are backed by research, expert opinions, or factual data. This lends credibility and authority to your writing.
* Avoiding Plagiarism: Properly citing sources prevents plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.
* Engaging the Reader: Evidence makes your writing more engaging and informative by providing readers with specific examples, statistics, quotes, or other relevant information.
How to cite evidence:
* Direct Quotes: Use quotation marks and cite the source properly.
* Paraphrasing: Restate the information in your own words, but still cite the original source.
* Summarizing: Briefly summarize the main points from a source, citing the source.
Example:
Topic Sentence: The rise of social media has had a significant impact on the way people communicate.
Evidence:
> "Social media platforms have become ubiquitous, connecting people across geographic boundaries and fostering a new era of communication." (Smith, 2023)
By including evidence, you make your argument more persuasive and well-supported. Remember to always cite your sources accurately and consistently throughout your essay.