In writing, “ICE” could stand for “introduction/Introduce, cite, and explain,” which is a method for incorporating evidence into an essay or other written work.
This method involves introducing the evidence, citing the source where the evidence comes from, and then explaining how the evidence supports the point being made. It’s a useful framework for ensuring that evidence is integrated effectively and coherently into a written argument.
Table of Contents
ICE (Introduction, Cite, Explain)
1. Introduction
The first step in the ICE method is to introduce the evidence that you’ll be citing. This means providing some context for the evidence and explaining how it’s relevant to your argument. The introduction should be brief, but it should set up the evidence and make clear why it’s important.
Example: Suppose you’re writing an essay about the benefits of exercise, and you want to include a statistic that shows how many people in the United States suffer from heart disease. Your introduction might look something like this:
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for over 600,000 deaths each year. This statistic highlights the urgent need for individuals to take steps to protect their heart health, such as through regular exercise.
2. Cite
The second step in the ICE method is to cite the source of the evidence you’re using. This is important because it gives credit to the author or researcher who generated the evidence, and it allows readers to find the source themselves if they want to learn more. The citation should follow the appropriate format for your discipline or field, such as APA or MLA.
Example: In the example above, the citation might look something like this:
According to the American Heart Association (2021), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for over 600,000 deaths each year.
3. Explain
The final step in the ICE method is to explain how the evidence supports your argument. This is where you connect the dots between the evidence and your larger point, and make clear why the evidence is persuasive. The explanation should be clear and concise, and it should focus on the key takeaways from the evidence.
Example: Continuing with the same example, here’s how you might explain how the evidence supports your argument:
This statistic underscores the importance of exercise as a preventative measure against heart disease. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart muscle, improving circulation, and lowering blood pressure. By making exercise a regular part of their routine, individuals can take a proactive step towards protecting their heart health and reducing their risk of heart disease.
Overall, the ICE method is a useful tool for incorporating evidence into your writing in a clear and effective way. By introducing, citing, and explaining your evidence, you can ensure that it’s integrated smoothly into your argument and that your readers understand its significance.
Why is the ICE Method Important?
The ICE method is important because it provides a clear and structured approach to incorporating evidence into writing. When writers use this method, they are more likely to effectively integrate evidence into their argument, which can make their writing more persuasive and credible.
Here are some specific reasons why the ICE method is important:
- Helps writers avoid plagiarism: By properly introducing and citing their sources, writers can avoid inadvertently plagiarizing the work of others. This is particularly important in academic writing, where plagiarism can have serious consequences.
- Makes writing more persuasive: By explaining how the evidence supports the argument, the ICE method helps writers show readers why their argument is compelling and credible.
- Improves clarity: The ICE method provides a clear structure for incorporating evidence, which can help writers avoid confusion and ensure that their writing is easy to follow.
- Enhances the credibility of the writer: By using the ICE method, writers can demonstrate that they have done their research and are using reliable sources to support their argument. This can enhance the credibility of the writer and make their argument more convincing.
Overall, the ICE method is an important tool for writers who want to make their writing more persuasive, credible, and effective. By following the ICE method, writers can ensure that their evidence is integrated smoothly and coherently into their argument, which can help them achieve their writing goals.
