What does the term support refer to in writing?

The term "support" in writing specifically refers to evidence from the text or external resources that backs up a claim, argument, or idea. This evidence is critical because it lends credibility to the writer's assertions and helps to substantiate their points. In persuasive or analytical writing, for instance, support can take the form of statistics, quotes, examples, or detailed explanations that strengthen the overall argument being presented.

While summarizing main ideas might clarify a text's message, it doesn't provide the backing needed for an argument. Personal anecdotes can offer relatable insight but they don’t constitute evidence in a formal sense. Similarly, expressing feelings about a topic reflects personal opinion without necessarily providing the objective backing needed to validate a claim. Therefore, the focus on providing evidence highlights the importance of support in helping to form a well-rounded and convincing piece of writing.