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Using Evidence in Informative Writing: Facts, Statistics and Quotations — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 8th Grade informative writing worksheet.

Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet8th Grade · English · Informative Writing

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.)

1.Water boils at 100 °C at sea level.
  1. Afact
  2. Bstatistic
  3. Cexample
  4. Dexpert quotation

Answer: fact

A fact that can be checked; no number of people or percentage is involved.

2.In a survey of 200 students at one school, 3 out of 4 said they read for fun at least once a week.
  1. Afact
  2. Bstatistic
  3. Cexample
  4. Dexpert quotation

Answer: statistic

A statistic is a number drawn from data, such as a survey result.

3.For instance, after one town painted bike lanes green, more people chose to cycle to work.
  1. Afact
  2. Bstatistic
  3. Cexample
  4. Dexpert quotation

Answer: example

An example is a specific case that illustrates a general point.

4."Sleep is when the brain sorts and stores what we learned during the day," explains a sleep researcher.
  1. Afact
  2. Bstatistic
  3. Cexample
  4. Dexpert quotation

Answer: expert quotation

The words of someone with expert knowledge, given in quotation marks.

Part B: Relevant and reliable?

5.Point: Regular exercise improves mood. Which evidence is most relevant?
  1. AMany professional athletes earn high salaries.
  2. BStudies have found that physical activity can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  3. CRunning shoes come in many shades and styles.
  4. 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.

6.Which source is likely to be the most reliable for a report on ocean pollution?
  1. AAn anonymous comment on a video
  2. BA report from a university marine science department
  3. CA post from a company selling water filters
  4. 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.

7.A student writes: "Everyone knows that most teenagers spend 10 hours a day on screens." Give two reasons why this is weak evidence.

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.

8.Rewrite to embed the quotation smoothly, using a signal phrase: Sleep is important. "Sleep is when the brain sorts and stores what we learned during the day."

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.

9.Write three different signal phrases you could use to introduce evidence.

Answer: Any three: According to...; Research shows that...; As one expert explains,...; For example,...; A recent survey found that...; Data from... suggests that...

10.After this evidence, write one sentence that explains how it supports the point. Point: Reading for pleasure is common among students. Evidence: In a survey of 200 students at one school, 3 out of 4 said they read for fun at least once a week.

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.

11.Evidence should always be followed by an explanation of how it supports the point.

Answer: True

Evidence does not speak for itself. The explanation tells the reader why it matters.

Part D: Your turn

12.Your turn: write an informative paragraph (6–8 sentences) on one topic: (a) the benefits of trees in cities; (b) why sleep matters for teenagers; (c) how plastic affects ocean life. Use two different types of evidence (you may use general facts you know, or invent clearly marked practice evidence), introduce each with a signal phrase, and explain how each supports your point.

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
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