Definitions Frequently Used about Evidence—or Problems with Evidence
Merriam- Webster Online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary) defines cherry pick:
to select as being the best or most
desirable; also :
to select the best or most desirable from |
It is easier to see its meaning with facts
by looking at its related words.
Synonyms cherry-pick, cull, … handpick, … pick, prefer, select, single (out)… |
Related Words preselect; appoint, … fix, mark, nominate, set, tab, tap; accept, adopt, embrace, espouse … |
Basic
Rule: Your credibility will frequently be tied to your examples. If you select examples that are atypical or
that ignore the contradictions covered in the section you are using, you will
lose that precious credibility
Merriam- Webster Online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary) defines
embellish:
to make beautiful with ornamentation :
decorate <a book embellished with illustrations> to heighten the attractiveness of by
adding decorative or fanciful details : enhance <embellished our account of the trip> |
You can make-up “fanciful details” about
your “account of a trip” but not to
history. If the author of the required source (the textbook) does not give details,
then you can’t—and you don’t need to.
Among the synonyms for embellish are some
ugly words if you are striving to figure things out honorably; … embroider, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch |
Basic
Rule: Verify what you say by checking the source, or don’t say it.
Merriam- Webster Online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary) defines assume and assumption and opinion:
Assume: to think that something is true or
probably true without knowing that it is true Assumption: something that is believed to
be true or probably true but that is not known to be true : something that is
assumed |
Opinion: a belief, judgment, or way of
thinking about something : what someone thinks about a particular thing |
Now look at the definitions for fact and
evidence. What you ought to notice is that there are not a lot of facts and
evidence in assumptions or opinions.
Fact:
something that truly exists or happens : something that has actual existence evidence:
something which shows that something else exists or is true |
Basic
Rule: Verify what you say by checking the source, or don’t say it.
Copyright C. J. Bibus, Ed.D. 2003-2013 |
WCJC Department: |
History – Dr. Bibus |
Contact Information: |
281.239.1577 or bibusc@wcjc.edu
|
Last Updated: |
2013 |
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