What is the role of evidence in an argument?

The role of evidence in an argument is fundamentally to support claims and add credibility. When presenting an argument, it's crucial to base your assertions on facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions, which serve to strengthen the argument and make it more convincing to the audience. Evidence acts as a foundation upon which arguments are built, allowing the reader or listener to see the rationale behind the claims being made. This also helps to establish trust, as reliance on factual information demonstrates diligence and authority in the subject matter being discussed.

Options that suggest evidence's role as a distraction from personal opinions, a means to provide emotional appeal, or merely a summary of the argument miss the core purpose of evidence, which is to substantiate claims and enhance the overall persuasiveness of the argument.