H. Source Authority

Source Authority: proof that supports your argument

• quote/citation
• statistic
• example
• research based papers should have a cited academic source
• personal essays should have a personal story or example
• it should prove your argument

EXAMPLE:

My mother has had a significant influence on me because she taught me to share. Sharing is an important characteristic of a moral person and a difficult concept for a child to grasp. My mother was responsible for teaching me this valuable life-skill. When I was four, I was incredibly possessive of a stuffed rabbit I named Funny Bunny. I had a difficult time allowing anyone else to play with my favorite toy. One day, I was at a playground, and I really wanted to meet a little girl that was playing near by. My attempts to say hello to the girl failed. My mother identified my struggles, and she gave me some advice on how to develop a friendship with the little girl. She advised me to ask the little girl if she would like to play with my Funny Bunny. I immediately resisted because I didn't let anyone play with my favorite toy. However, my desire to make a new friend was stronger than my desire to be selfish. Therefore, I approached the girl and asked her if she would like to play with my toy. She immediately accepted, and our friendship easily developed because of that act of sharing.