Learn

You have just completed your reading of three short stories and reflected on those readings through the self-check questions.   Before moving on to the next assignment in this unit, take a moment to learn an essential skill you will need to complete many of the assignments in this course—using evidence to support your ideas. 

Supporting Ideas with Evidence

In many assignments you are given in English class as well as in science and social studies, and math, you are asked to support your arguments or ideas with evidence.  Providing evidence makes any argument stronger and more convincing because evidence is factual, not opinionated, and cannot be disputed.

Understanding how to effectively incorporate evidence into your work is an essential skill that you will use in class, on the diploma exam, and in the workplace.  Providing support for your ideas is a way to ensure your thoughts are heard and taken seriously.

According to teacher Jen London, there are three components of incorporating evidence to support your ideas in a piece of writing.  She uses the abbreviation I.C.E. to help remind us of these three important components. 

Take a careful look at this Thinglink poster created by Jen London explaining the components of I.C.E.  Click the play buttons throughout the poster to watch some entertaining video clips containing examples and explanations of I.C.E.

NOTE:  The video talks about using only quotations as evidence, but any facts or ideas you use from a source to support your ideas counts as evidence as well.

Example of I.C.E. in Action

Sample Topic:  What roles do success and failure play in the pursuit of living well? 

Evidence Requirements:  Support ideas using textual evidence from Jim Parson’s short story “Every Person Gets Their Due—Especially on Christmas Eve:  Unforgettable Memories of a Father’s Values.”