4. But, in actuality, almost 25,000 people are involved in fatal alcohol-related accidents per year.

Of these 25,000 people, over 25 percent are under the age of twenty-one. This means we are losing over 6,000 young people per year because of alcohol. There are several reasons a nationwide drinking age should be enforced. Statistics show that raising the age would save over 750 young lives per year nationwide. Using Evidence. The following passages help illustrate correct and incorrect uses of evidence. For each passage, try to identify the primary weaknesses by applying the following criteria as discussed in this chapter.

Tests of Evidence. Apply each of the following tests to the passages:

Reliability Evidence should be drawn from sources that have proven to be correct many times in the past.

Expertise Evidence should be drawn from sources having a background of knowledge in relevant information.

Objectivity Evidence should be taken from sources who hold a fair and undistorted view on a question or issue.

Consistency Evidence should agree with other sources and should be consistent with itself.

Recency Evidence should be based on the most current information available.

Relevance The facts and evidence presented should be relevant to the claim that is made.

Access Evidence should be drawn from sources who have observed firsthand the matter being disputed.

Now, here is the evidence to be evaluated.