What is an effective strategy for supporting a claim in an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay, incorporating verified data and statistics is a highly effective strategy for supporting a claim. This approach bolsters the argument by providing concrete evidence that can be analyzed and validated. Data and statistics lend credibility to the claims made, as they are objective and can demonstrate the validity of a viewpoint through factual evidence. Readers are more likely to be persuaded by an argument that is well-supported with numerical facts or research findings because these types of evidence appeal to logic and reason.

Using personal opinions without evidence does not provide a solid foundation for an argument, as it relies solely on subjective beliefs rather than substantiated facts. Avoiding counterarguments fails to address potential opposition, weakening the overall argument by not acknowledging differing viewpoints. Focusing solely on emotional appeal can be compelling, but it doesn't provide a logical basis for claims and may leave the argument vulnerable to criticism. Therefore, the use of verified data and statistics stands out as the strongest method to effectively support a claim in an argumentative essay.