How do I know what they are, where they are, and what they do? Author’s purpose, claims, and evidence

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE Is the reason the author wrote the text If there is a claim, the purpose will NOT be to inform or explain If you only see a bunch of facts, the purpose IS to inform or explain If there is a claim, the purpose is to persuade or argue a position Persuasion usually appeals to one’s emotions Argumentation usually appeals to a combination of reason and emotions

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE? All sugar, whether natural or processed, is a type of simple carbohydrate that your body uses for energy. Fruits, vegetables and dairy foods all naturally contain sugar. "Added sugar" refers to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing. Desserts, sodas, and energy and sports drinks are the top sources of added sugar for most Americans.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE? All sugar, whether natural or processed, is a type of simple carbohydrate that your body uses for energy. Fruits, vegetables and dairy foods all naturally contain sugar. "Added sugar" refers to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing. Desserts, sodas, and energy and sports drinks are the top sources of added sugar for most Americans. Because this is factual, the purpose is to inform you about natural and added sugars.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE? For many women, being overweight or obese isn't just about carrying around a few extra pounds. Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as the early onset of death. If you do not take steps to lose weight now, especially if you are seriously overweight, your health may have other plans for you. It is important to mention that those plans may not necessarily be good ones.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE? For many women, being overweight or obese isn't just about carrying around a few extra pounds. Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as the early onset of death. If you do not take steps to lose weight now, especially if you are seriously overweight, your health may have other plans for you. It is important to mention that those plans may not necessarily be good ones. Now the purpose is to persuade you to lose weight. See how it appeals to your emotions?

CLAIMS Will be toward the beginning of the writing Usually are NOT the first sentence Are the author’s conclusion and are backed by evidence In a full-fledged essay, the main or overall claim will be in the introduction and the body will have “mini” claims

WHERE’S THE CLAIM? Many people in this country battle to lose weight. There are several steps people can take to get started; however, the most important step is to get moving. Physical activity is an important factor in losing weight. Regular physical activity helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems (“Why Should I Lose Weight?”). Being physically active helps to burn calories found in food. Burning these calories means fewer pounds will be gained.

WHERE’S THE CLAIM? Many people in this country battle to lose weight. There are several steps people can take to get started; however, the most important step is to get moving. Physical activity is an important factor in losing weight. Regular physical activity helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems (“Why Should I Lose Weight?”). Being physically active helps to burn calories found in food. Burning these calories means fewer pounds will be gained.

EVIDENCE Comes from text Will ALWAYS be followed by an in-text citation May be paraphrased or quoted Generally fact-based

EXAMPLE Claim: Inactivity contributes to obesity. Evidence: People who spend large periods of time just sitting around “ don’t burn as many calories” which causes them to be overweight. Where did you get this? A website article titled Obesity. So…..the in-text citation would read (“Obesity”).

EXAMPLE People who spend large periods of time just sitting around “don’t burn as many calories” which causes them to be overweight (“Obesity”).

EXAMPLE People who spend large periods of time just sitting around “don’t burn as many calories” which causes them to be overweight (“Obesity”). EVIDENCE

EXAMPLE People who spend large periods of time just sitting around “don’t burn as many calories” which causes them to be overweight (“Obesity”). EVIDENCE IN-TEXT CITATION

WHERE’S THE EVIDENCE? Many people in this country battle to lose weight. There are several steps people can take to get started; however, the most important step is to get moving. Physical activity is an important factor in losing weight. Regular physical activity helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems (“Why Should I Lose Weight?”). Being physically active helps to burn calories found in food. Burning these calories means fewer pounds will be gained.

WHERE’S THE EVIDENCE? Many people in this country battle to lose weight. There are several steps people can take to get started. Physical activity is an important factor in losing weight. Regular physical activity helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems (“Why Should I Lose Weight?”). Being physically active helps to burn calories found in food. Burning these calories means fewer pounds will be gained.

WHERE’S THE EVIDENCE? Many people in this country battle to lose weight. There are several steps people can take to get started. Physical activity is an important factor in losing weight. Regular physical activity helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems (“Why Should I Lose Weight?”). Being physically active helps to burn calories found in food. Burning these calories means fewer pounds will be gained. See the citation??

YOUR TURN… Everywhere we look there’s another weight loss pill or diet being pushed. Unfortunately, not all weight loss methods are safe or recommended, especially those that call for extreme changes your eating habits. Drastically cutting the number of calories you consume is not a healthy way to lose weight. Restricting your calorie intake can lead to a lower metabolism and muscle loss which will actually make it harder to burn calories (Zelman). This means you’ll have fewer nutrients and less energy to work out; since exercising is one good way to burn calories, you’re making it more difficult on yourself. Where is the claim? Where is the evidence? Where is the citation?

YOUR TURN… Everywhere we look there’s another weight loss pill or diet being pushed. Unfortunately, not all weight loss methods are safe or recommended, especially those that call for extreme changes your eating habits. Drastically cutting the number of calories you consume is not a healthy way to lose weight. Restricting your calorie intake can lead to a lower metabolism and muscle loss which will actually make it harder to burn calories (Zelman). This means you’ll have fewer nutrients and less energy to work out; since exercising is one good way to burn calories, you’re making it more difficult on yourself. Where is the claim? Where is the evidence? Where is the citation?

YOUR TURN… Everywhere we look there’s another weight loss pill or diet being pushed. Unfortunately, not all weight loss methods are safe or recommended, especially those that call for extreme changes your eating habits. Drastically cutting the number of calories you consume is not a healthy way to lose weight. Restricting your calorie intake can lead to a lower metabolism and muscle loss which will actually make it harder to burn calories (Zelman). This means you’ll have fewer nutrients and less energy to work out; since exercising is one good way to burn calories, you’re making it more difficult on yourself. Where is the claim? Where is the evidence? Where is the citation?

YOUR TURN… Everywhere we look there’s another weight loss pill or diet being pushed. Unfortunately, not all weight loss methods are safe or recommended, especially those that call for extreme changes your eating habits. Drastically cutting the number of calories you consume is not a healthy way to lose weight. Restricting your calorie intake can lead to a lower metabolism and muscle loss which will actually make it harder to burn calories (Zelman). This means you’ll have fewer nutrients and less energy to work out; since exercising is one good way to burn calories, you’re making it more difficult on yourself. Where is the claim? Where is the evidence? Where is the citation?