Reasoning with evidence

Use evidence to support, challenge or revise a conclusion.

Why it matters

Evidence needs to be connected to the conclusion it is used to support. Explaining that connection helps you examine an argument, recognise gaps and reconsider a view when the evidence changes.

What this can look like

• distinguishes a conclusion from the evidence offered for it
• explains how a piece of evidence supports or challenges a conclusion
• revises a conclusion when stronger evidence changes the picture

Youth relevance

In coursework or discussions about community issues, young people can examine what supports their view and whether the same evidence allows a different explanation.

Ways young people can practise this skill

• explain how evidence supports a view on a shared issue and consider what challenges it
• reconsider a conclusion in light of new evidence
• compare explanations for what happened in a project against the available evidence

Connected themes

• Main theme · Critical thinking
• Problem-solving