What is the role of evidence in supporting arguments during a debate?

The role of evidence in supporting arguments during a debate is fundamental, as it provides support and credibility to the claims made. Evidence strengthens an argument by grounding it in facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples, which can persuade the audience or judges of the validity of the points being made. When debaters present well-researched and relevant evidence, it helps establish their credibility as knowledgeable participants in the discussion and enhances the overall effectiveness of their argument.

While other options touch on aspects of debating, they do not capture the essential purpose of evidence as thoroughly. The suggestion that evidence is optional or merely enhances likability undermines its critical function in validating claims. Additionally, while showcasing knowledge is important, it is not the primary goal of presenting evidence. Lastly, providing evidence only upon request indicates a passive approach to argumentation, which is counterproductive; instead, evidence should proactively be included to effectively build and support the argument from the outset.