Testimony and External Evidence

One of the most common ways that writers develop their paragraphs is through the use of testimony – as in the opinions of experts or reliable sources on their subjects.   In most cases, this means using quoted, paraphrased, or summarized information.  See Chapter 08, Introduction to Academic Research, for more information on introducing, using, and citing information appropriately.  

It is important to note, however, that when writers use Testimony and External Evidence, they are making a careful rhetorical choice: they must choose sources that will be effective for both the audience of their writing, and that will advance the purpose or task of the writing.   “Getting some quotes” means screening information and selecting it carefully to achieve an intended effect in the writing.

Here are some examples.  In what situations might these sources (and the information they provide) be most effective?

Dr. Marlo Henderson, Chief of Surgical Service at St. Bonaventure Medical Center in   Waxahachie, Texas, remarked yesterday that the new pain medication by Prolactis was very effective in reducing pain from abdominal surgery (New York Times 3/27/2012).

Dale Freeman is a police officer with over thirty years’ experience investigating violent crime in urban environments.  He writes in his article “Get the Guns,” that “an aggressive campaign to get illegal guns off the streets” of many inner cities would reduce the number of homicides in the vast majority of communities.  “It’s just too easy for anyone to get a gun,” he writes, “which makes it easy to take a ‘beef’ with someone to a deadly level” (Freeman 320).  

Reflecting on the 2011 season, linebacker Mark Allison told the Times that “we had a great year in a lot of ways, and it was nice to see some of the younger guys develop.  I wish we would have done a better job protecting our quarterback in some games, and forcing more turnovers—especially late in games—but we took some important steps this year” (Davenport 3).