To evaluate the effectiveness of an author's evidence in supporting their claim, one should assess how relevant and convincing the evidence presented is, and how well it ties back to the main argument of the paragraph and the thesis of the essay.
To answer the question, look at the structure of a well-organized paragraph. The topic sentence introduces the main idea, providing a smooth transition from previous paragraphs. It sets the stage for what follows. The claim is a specific statement that the paragraph argues is true, extracted from the thesis statement, and it aims to prove this thesis. Evidence includes quotations, paraphrases, context, and other forms of textual support that back the claim. Finally, analysis is where you tie the evidence back to the claim, showing how it supports the main argument. This analysis helps in reinforcing the topic sentence and provides a conclusion to the paragraph.
In evaluating the effectiveness of evidence, consider its relevance, how it supports the claim, and whether it leads logically to the conclusion. An effective paragraph will have a seamless flow from claim to evidence to analysis, much like constructing a building: laying the foundation, supporting with strong beams, and completing with solid walls. Similarly, a narrative structure can be used, where the evidence tells a story that leads to an inevitable conclusion. These strategies ensure a coherent argument that stays focused on the thesis throughout the essay.