Final answer:
Supporting evidence in Kirsch's essay might include quotes from the primary text or paraphrases from secondary sources, with careful contextualization to maintain the flow of the argument. Such evidence would be intricately tied to the essay's thesis through logical reasoning and effective transitional statements.
Step-by-step explanation:
When writing an essay, supporting evidence is crucial to substantiate the author's arguments. In Kirsch's essay, one might utilize evidence by quoting directly from the primary text or by paraphrasing influential secondary sources. Providing evidence from literature involves doing a close reading of the text to analyze how literary elements work together to support the thesis.
For example, if Kirsch's essay discusses the impact of foreign language education, one could write, "To back up his assertion that omitting foreign languages is detrimental to education, Peterson provides examples and statistics." This statement not only presents specific evidence but also indicates how it connects with the essay's overall argument through the use of cause-and-effect reasoning.
Moreover, it is important to contextualize evidence, showing how each piece supports the thesis and prepares the reader for the next argument. This includes using transitions to improve flow, such as, "Following this line of reasoning," or, "In contrast to this point," which can lead into a discussion of counterarguments or further support for the thesis. In conclusion, the author must not only present evidence but also clearly articulate its relevance to the broader argument.