Using Facts in Writing: How to Incorporate Facts into Arguments, Stories, and Explanations

Introduction

A fact is defined as “a piece of information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article.” When used properly, facts can be powerful tools for making a point or convincing an audience of something. In this article, we will explore how to use facts in writing in order to make a persuasive argument, add depth to a story, introduce a topic, ask and answer questions, explain a concept or process, and illustrate a larger point.

Use the Fact to Support an Argument

Facts are essential for making persuasive arguments. They provide evidence for your claims and bolster your credibility as a writer. For example, if you are writing an article about the benefits of exercise, you could include a fact such as “regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 35%.” This fact provides evidence for your argument and helps to convince readers that exercise is beneficial for their health.

When using facts to support an argument, it is important to make sure the facts are accurate and sourced from a reliable source. Additionally, it is important to explain the context of the fact and how it relates to your argument. For example, you could explain how the statistic above applies to people who are trying to improve their cardiovascular health. Explaining the context of the fact helps to make your argument stronger and more convincing.

Incorporate the Fact into a Narrative or Story

Facts can also be used to add depth and realism to stories. For instance, if you are writing a fictional story set in ancient Rome, you could incorporate facts about the culture, geography, and history of the time period. This will give readers a better understanding of the setting and make the story more vivid and believable.

When incorporating facts into a story, it is important to make sure the facts are accurate and relevant to the plot. Additionally, it is important to weave the facts into the narrative rather than just listing them. For example, instead of simply stating that Romans worshiped multiple gods, you could have a character in the story visit a temple to one of the gods and have a conversation with a priest about the god’s importance. This will make the story more interesting and engaging for readers.

Introduce the Fact in the Beginning of the Article

Introducing a fact at the beginning of an article can help to frame the rest of the article and provide readers with a starting point. For example, if you are writing an article about climate change, you could begin with a fact such as “the global average temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era.” This fact sets the stage for the rest of the article and gives readers an understanding of the current state of the climate.

When introducing a fact at the beginning of an article, it is important to make sure the fact is relevant to the topic at hand. Additionally, it is important to explain the context of the fact and how it relates to the rest of the article. Explaining the context of the fact will help readers understand why the fact is important and how it relates to the topic.

Ask a Question Related to the Fact and Answer It Throughout the Article

Asking a question related to the fact and then answering it throughout the article can be a great way to engage readers and keep them interested in the topic. For instance, if you are writing an article about the effects of air pollution on public health, you could start by asking “how does air pollution affect our health?” Then, you could answer the question throughout the article by providing facts and statistics about the health risks associated with air pollution.

When asking questions related to facts, it is important to make sure the questions are relevant to the topic and not too broad or vague. Additionally, it is important to make sure the answers are clear and concise. Providing too much detail or going off on tangents can make the article confusing for readers and detract from the main point.

Use the Fact to Explain a Concept or Process

Using facts to explain concepts and processes can be an effective way to educate readers and help them understand complex topics. For example, if you are writing an article about the stock market, you could use facts to explain the different types of stocks, what the stock market is, and how the stock market works. This will help readers gain a better understanding of the stock market and increase their knowledge of the topic.

When using facts to explain concepts and processes, it is important to make sure the facts are relevant and accurate. Additionally, it is important to provide enough detail to ensure readers understand the concept or process. Breaking down the concept or process into smaller steps or components can also be helpful for readers.

Contrast the Fact with Another Fact or Opinion

Contrasting facts with other facts or opinions can be a powerful tool for making a point or convincing an audience of something. For example, if you are writing an article about the dangers of smoking, you could contrast the fact that “smoking increases the risk of lung cancer” with the opinion that “smoking is not as dangerous as some people think.” This contrast helps to reinforce your argument and make it more convincing.

When contrasting facts with other facts or opinions, it is important to make sure the facts are accurate and relevant to the topic. Additionally, it is important to explain the context of the fact and how it relates to the argument. Explaining the context of the fact will help readers understand why the contrast is important and how it reinforces your argument.

Use the Fact to Illustrate a Larger Point

Using facts to illustrate larger points can be an effective way to make a point or draw attention to an issue. For instance, if you are writing an article about the need for gun control, you could use the fact that “in 2017, there were 39,773 gun deaths in the United States” to illustrate the severity of the issue and emphasize the need for gun control measures.

When using facts to illustrate larger points, it is important to make sure the facts are accurate and relevant to the topic. Additionally, it is important to explain the context of the fact and how it relates to the larger point. Explaining the context of the fact will help readers understand why the fact is important and how it illustrates the larger point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, facts are important tools for making persuasive arguments, adding depth to stories, explaining concepts and processes, and illustrating larger points. When using facts in writing, it is important to make sure the facts are accurate and sourced from a reliable source. Additionally, it is important to explain the context of the facts and how they relate to the argument, story, or point being made. By following these tips, you can effectively use facts in writing to make your arguments more convincing, your stories more vivid, and your points more impactful.