How to Use Evidence to Support Claims in Writing

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging instructional video uses a detective metaphor to teach students the critical writing skill of using evidence to support a claim. The narrator breaks down the definition of evidence as "irrefutable information"—such as facts, statistics, quotes, or summaries—and demonstrates how writers use these tools to build strong arguments. Through clear examples ranging from the Ironman Triathlon to Shakespeare's "The Tempest," the video illustrates the relationship between raw data and the interpretive claims that give it meaning. The content addresses advanced writing concepts appropriate for high school students, including the distinction between direct quoting and paraphrasing (summarizing). It provides specific guidance on when to choose one method over the other—using quotes for analyzing language and imagery, and summaries for discussing plot points or patterns. This nuance helps students move beyond simple "quote bombing" to more sophisticated integration of textual support. A key pedagogical highlight is the section on confirmation bias, warning students against cherry-picking evidence to support pre-existing beliefs. Instead, the video encourages an inquiry-based approach: gathering evidence first and allowing the claim to emerge from the facts. The lesson concludes with an interactive exercise using historical facts about medieval knights, allowing students to practice synthesizing a list of details into a coherent thesis statement.