Final answer:
The author can support opinions through expert testimony, statistics, personal anecdotes, and logical reasoning, which should be critically evaluated for credibility and relevance to the thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author may support their opinion using various strategies such as expert testimony, statistics, personal anecdotes, and logical reasoning. Expert testimony involves obtaining information from individuals who are recognized authorities in the relevant field. This type of support is strengthened when there is a consensus among experts and when the expert in question is unbiased and well-aligned with this consensus.
Statistics offer concrete, numerical evidence that can effectively back up a claim, particularly when they are reliable and accurately represent the topic discussed. Personal anecdotes provide relatable or vivid examples, although they are less scientifically rigorous compared to the other types of evidence. Logical reasoning is about constructing a coherent argument with premises that logically lead to a conclusion, often supported by concrete evidence and a clear chain of reasoning.
When analyzing how an author utilizes these methods, one should consider the credibility of the evidence provided and its direct relevance to the thesis. Questions such as whether the evidence seems persuasive, whether the logic behind it is credible, and whether the writer omits any relevant points can help determine how effectively the thesis is supported. The types of evidence chosen by the author have the potential to strengthen the argument when used properly and appropriately.