Using Evidence in Informative Writing: Facts, Statistics and Quotations — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 8 informative writing worksheet.
Using Evidence in Informative Writing: Facts, Statistics and Quotations — Answers
Part A: Kinds of evidence
Circle the type of evidence. (The survey and researcher in these examples are invented for practice.)
- Afact
- Bstatistic
- Cexample
- Dexpert quotation
Answer: fact
A fact that can be checked; no number of people or percentage is involved.
- Afact
- Bstatistic
- Cexample
- Dexpert quotation
Answer: statistic
A statistic is a number drawn from data, such as a survey result.
- Afact
- Bstatistic
- Cexample
- Dexpert quotation
Answer: example
An example is a specific case that illustrates a general point.
- Afact
- Bstatistic
- Cexample
- Dexpert quotation
Answer: expert quotation
The words of someone with expert knowledge, given in quotation marks.
Part B: Relevant and reliable?
- AMany professional athletes earn high salaries.
- BStudies have found that physical activity can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- CRunning shoes come in many shades and styles.
- DThe first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
Answer: Studies have found that physical activity can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Only this evidence directly supports the point about mood. The others may be true but are off topic.
- AAn anonymous comment on a video
- BA report from a university marine science department
- CA post from a company selling water filters
- DA friend's opinion
Answer: A report from a university marine science department
A university research department has expertise and no obvious reason to exaggerate. A company selling a product may be biased.
Answer: Any two: it has no source; everyone knows is a vague claim, not evidence; the number may be exaggerated or made up; it does not say who was measured or how.
Part C: Introduce and explain
Strong paragraphs follow a pattern: Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Answer: Model: According to one sleep researcher, sleep is "when the brain sorts and stores what we learned" each day, which suggests that a good night's rest helps students remember their lessons.
Answer: Any three: According to...; Research shows that...; As one expert explains,...; For example,...; A recent survey found that...; Data from... suggests that...
Answer: Model: This shows that reading is a regular habit for most students at that school, although a larger survey across many schools would be needed to say the same about all students.
Answer: True
Evidence does not speak for itself. The explanation tells the reader why it matters.
Part D: Your turn
Model answer: Trees make cities healthier and more comfortable places to live. One major benefit is shade: according to many city planners, streets lined with trees are noticeably cooler on hot days than streets without them. This matters because extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older people and young children. Trees also clean the air. For example, their leaves trap dust and other tiny particles, and as they grow they take in carbon dioxide. This means that planting trees can help reduce pollution in busy areas. Overall, the evidence suggests that trees are not just decoration but an important part of a healthy city.
Success criteria:
- Clear point stated in the opening sentence
- Two different types of evidence used
- Each piece of evidence introduced with a signal phrase
- Each piece of evidence explained, not just stated
- Objective tone and third person
- Concluding sentence links back to the point
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.