Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction writing
I can understand what makes a credible statistic, and use this understanding to create my own credible statistics.
Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction writing
I can understand what makes a credible statistic, and use this understanding to create my own credible statistics.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A statistic is a piece of factual data gathered from a large quantity of numerical data.
- Statistics can make a writer’s arguments seem credible because their opinion is backed up with factual data.
- Writers show that their statistics are credible by including things like the source and date of the data they refer to.
- You can invent your own credible statistics in pieces of writing where you are not expected to conduct research.
Keywords
Credible - convincing, trustworthy, reliable
Reconvictions - being found guilty of a crime after already being found guilty for another, different crime
Common misconception
Writing down any number in a piece of non-fiction writing is enough to show you know how to use statistics.
Statistics need to be credible. When creating your own statistics, you need to think carefully about how to make them sound believable by giving details like their source, date and data sample size.
Equipment
You need access to selected sections of Erwin James's 'The Norwegian Prison' (2013). These can be found on the lesson's worksheets.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
convincing, trustworthy, reliable
an action or event that provokes outrage
convincing, persuasive