Use Textual Evidence to Support the Claim in Digital SAT
There are six examples of SAT textual evidence questions starting with two standard questions, then an example of one that uses underlined text followed by a question using poetry, that seems to be used more this year in official practice questions.
We complete the set with two more typical example questions that are not difficult yet need a bit more time and patience to read and understand. This is something that is relevant for students especially English language learners as reading comprehension is not an easy task.
Examples are taken from the Khan Academy website
Textual Evidence Question Example 1
Typical simple example
The Milky Way galaxy is composed of millions of stars in a relatively flat structure containing a thin disk and a thick disk. Based on computer simulations and analysis of data on the brightness, position, and chemical composition of about 250,000 stars in the thick disk (collected from two telescopes, one in China and one orbiting in space), astrophysicists Maosheng Xiang and Hans-Walter Rix claim that the thick disk of the Milky Way formed in two distinct phases rather than a single one.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the researchers’ claim?
Choose 1 answer:
- A There’s an age difference of about 2 billion years between certain stars in the thick disk.
- B The stars in the Milky Way tend to have very similar chemical compositions.
- C The thin disk contains about twice as many stars that can be seen from Earth as the thick disk does.
- D The telescopes used by the researchers have detected stars of similar ages in galaxies other than the Milky Way.
How do you try to answer these type of questions. The first thing you should do is identify the specific claim you need to support. Let’s try that here:
- CLAIM: The thick disk of the Milky Way formed in two distinct phases rather than a single one.
- DO: Read through the choices. Which provides support for the claim?
- TIP: Narrow down the choices by eliminating those that are known to be wrong.
Write down what you think could be the answers and what you expect to be the correct answer. We will explain all at the end of the example questions.
Textual Evidence Question Example 2
Typical simple example
The High Line in New York City, transformed from an old railway track into a popular urban park, has been praised for enhancing city life and providing a public space for relaxation and socialization. Critics argue that while the High Line has aesthetic and social benefits, it has also contributed to gentrification in the surrounding areas, attracting high-priced real estate developments and edging out established lower-income neighbors. Robert Hammond, one of the project’s designers and co-founder of nonprofit group Friends of the High Line, has argued that the park has the potential to foster community interaction by providing a shared space that encourages social activities among locals.
Which finding from a study, if true, would most directly support Robert Hammond’s claim that the High Line fosters community interaction?
Choose 1 answer:
- A The High Line has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year.
- B Surveys conducted among local residents indicate that their usage of the High Line for community events, social gatherings, and public performances has increased since its opening.
- C Property values and commercial rents in the neighborhoods adjacent to the High Line have increased since the park’s development.
- D New businesses and art installations have proliferated along the High Line since its inception.
- The first thing you should do is identify the specific claim you need to support.
- CLAIM: Robert Hammond argues that the High Line fosters community interaction by providing a shared space that encourages social activities among locals.
- DO: we’re looking for information that provides evidence that the High Line encourages community activities.
Textual Evidence Question Example 3
Underlined text example
Hip-hop pedagogy is a form of teaching that’s gaining popularity across school subjects. It involves incorporating hip-hop and rap music into lessons as well as using hip-hop elements when teaching other subject matters. For example, Quan Neloms’s students look for college-level vocabulary and historical events in rap songs. Researchers claim that in addition to developing students’ social justice awareness, hip-hop pedagogy encourages student success by raising students’ interest and engagement.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the underlined claim?
Choose 1 answer:
- A Courses that incorporate hip-hop and rap music are among the courses with the highest enrollment and attendance rates.
- B Educators report that they enjoy teaching courses that involve hip-hop and rap music more than teaching courses that don’t.
- C Students tend to be more enthusiastic about rap music than they are about hip-hop music.
- D Students who are highly interested in social justice issues typically don’t sign up for courses that incorporate hip-hop and rap music.
- CLAIM: Hip-hop pedagogy encourages student success by raising students’ interest and engagement
- we’re looking for information that does two things:
- 1) it should provide evidence of student interest in and engagement with hip-hop pedagogy, and
- 2) it should connect that interest and engagement with student success
Assumption – If students are interested in a course, they’ll enroll in it. If they’re engaged with the course, they’ll be more likely to attend.
Textual Evidence Question Example 4
Simple poetry example
“The Rock and the Sea” is an 1893 poem by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. In the poem, a rock is portrayed as intending to confront and restrain the sea: ______
Which quotation from “The Rock and the Sea” most effectively illustrates the claim?
Choose 1 answer:
- A “I am the Rock. Black midnight falls; / The terrible breakers rise like walls; / With curling lips and gleaming teeth / They plunge and tear at my bones beneath.”
- B “I am the Sea. The earth I sway; / Granite to me is potter’s clay; / Under the touch of my careless waves / It rises in turrets and sinks in caves.”
- C “I am the Sea. I hold the land / As one holds an apple in his hand, / Hold it fast with sleepless eyes, / Watching the continents sink and rise.”
- D “I am the Rock, presumptuous Sea! / I am set to encounter thee. / Angry and loud or gentle and still, / I am set here to limit thy power, and I will!”
- identify the specific claim you need to support.
- CLAIM: In the poem, a rock is portrayed as intending to confront and restrain the sea.
- we’re looking for a quote that does two things:
- 1) it must focus on the rock, and
- 2) it must show the rock being bold and taking on the sea (“confront and restrain”).
- Both (B) and (C) focus on the sea, not the rock. We can eliminate those choices.
- Of (A) and (D), which shows the rock being bold and confrontational?
Textual Evidence Question Example 5
Typical example
As a monthly newsletter formed in 1969 by a group of Asian American students at the University of California, Los Angeles, Gidra helped raise awareness about social and political issues concerning the Asian American community on campus and at large. The newsletter had an expansive reach for a publication of its kind: around 4,000 copies were published each month. A student writing a history paper, however, hypothesizes that Gidra’s influence cannot be measured by the number of newsletters published monthly alone.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the student’s hypothesis?
Choose 1 answer:
- A The students who initially formed Gidra each contributed financially to its creation.
- B Gidra was initially based out of the Asian American Studies Center at UCLA.
- C People would often give their copies of Gidra to others once they had finished reading an issue.
- D In addition to covering current events, Gidra also featured works of art and literature.
- CLAIM: Gidra‘s influence cannot be measured by the number of newsletters published monthly alone.
- look for evidence that shows Gidra‘s influence extending beyond monthly circulation numbers.
Textual Evidence Question Example 6
Typical example
Recent archaeological findings have challenged long-held assumptions about the cognitive capabilities of Neanderthals. While these early hominids were once thought to be primitive compared to Homo sapiens, researchers now believe they possessed sophisticated mental faculties. A student writing about Neanderthals claims that they demonstrated advanced planning abilities in their hunting practices.
Which quotation from an archaeological journal would best support the student’s claim?
Choose 1 answer:
- A “Analysis of Neanderthal hunting sites reveals carefully positioned hunting blinds near known animal migration routes, suggesting they anticipated and prepared for seasonal animal movements.”
- B “Neanderthal skeletal remains indicate they were powerfully built, with strong arms and robust bones that would have made them formidable hunters.”
- C “Stone tools found at Neanderthal sites show signs of sophisticated craftsmanship, with carefully knapped edges and consistent shapes.”
- D “Evidence suggests Neanderthals lived in small family groups and likely shared their hunting yields with other members of their community, indicating that they had strong social bonds within their clan units.”
- CLAIM: Neanderthals demonstrated advanced planning abilities in their hunting practices.
- So we can eliminate C
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an example of a textual evidence?
Textual evidence is information from a text that supports your idea. For example, if you say the main character is brave, you can cite a quotation like: “He stepped into the fire without hesitation.” This is evidence from the text that supports your point.
What are 5 examples of textual evidence?
There are different forms of textual evidence. Here are 5 examples:
- A quotation (exact words from the text in quotation marks)
- A summary (short version of a paragraph or idea)
- A paraphrase (rewording the sentence in your own words)
- A phrase or sentence that supports your main idea
- A reference with an in-text citation using MLA style
What are the 4 types of textual evidence?
The 4 main types are:
- Direct quotation
- Paraphrase
- Summary
- Description of a detail from the original text
Each one helps you incorporate textual evidence into your academic writing.
How do you explain your textual evidence?
To explain your evidence, first cite it clearly, then analyze it. Show how it supports your thesis or main idea. For example:
“The phrase ‘dark storm ahead’ shows that danger is coming.”
This connects the evidence to support your point.
What is considered textual evidence?
Textual evidence is any information from a passage that supports your answer or opinion. It can be a quote, summary, paraphrase, or a phrase from the original source.
What is the textual command of evidence SAT?
The Digital SAT Command of Evidence section tests if you can choose the best sentence that supports an idea in the text. You must cite evidence that clearly connects with the question. This means finding the best quotation from the text or supporting detail.
How do you use textual evidence to support an idea?
First, read the passage carefully. Then choose a piece of evidence that connects to your idea. You can summarize, quote, or paraphrase the text. Don’t forget to integrate it smoothly and give credit to the author.
Useful Information for Students
Why is textual evidence important?
In both essay writing and SAT reading, textual evidence strengthens your answer. It shows that your idea is not just opinion – it is based on the original text. Using text evidence correctly can help you get a better score and write stronger academic writing.
What if the evidence isn’t clear?
If you are not sure, reread the passage. Look for key phrases or sentences that match the question. A good strategy is to ask yourself: “Does this piece of evidence clearly support the answer?” If not, keep looking for better supporting details.
How do I incorporate textual evidence in my writing?
Use a sentence structure like:
- According to the author, “…”
- This shows that…
- The author says… which supports…
Use quotation marks and in-text citation if needed. If you’re using MLA, follow its format for citing a source.
What does it mean to integrate textual evidence?
To integrate means to combine your idea and the text evidence in one smooth sentence. Don’t just copy the quote—explain it. This helps your writing feel natural and strong.
Can I use ellipses (…) in textual evidence?
Yes, ellipses show that part of the quote is left out. Use them if you only need part of a sentence, but don’t change the meaning. Example:
“He… never gave up.”
Summary: Using Textual Evidence on the Digital SAT
- Always cite textual evidence to support your answer.
- You can quote, paraphrase, or summarize the text.
- Choose the best piece of evidence that matches the question.
- Use quotation marks and give credit to the author.
- Know the sentence structure that integrates evidence well.
- Practice with digital SAT practice tests to improve your skill.
6 Question Answers and Explanations
1
- (Choice A, Correct) This is the best choice. A consistent age difference of 2 billion years between certain stars within the thick disk would support the claim that the thick disk formed in two phases instead of one, with the second phase beginning 2 billion years after the first phase.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. It’s too general. The claim is specifically about the thick disk.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. The researchers base their claim on their study of stars inside the thick disk. This choice makes a comparison to the thin disk, which isn’t relevant.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. The researchers base their claim on their study of stars inside the thick disk of the Milky Way. This choice makes a comparison to stars in other galaxies, which isn’t relevant.
2
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice isn’t relevant to the claim. While it highlights the High Line’s popularity, it doesn’t specifically address Hammond’s claim about the impact on local community interaction.
- (Choice B, Correct) This is the best choice. It directly supports Hammond’s claim by demonstrating that the High Line serves as a venue for community-oriented activities, thereby fostering interaction among residents.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice isn’t relevant to the claim. It discusses economic impacts possibly related to gentrification, but it doesn’t address Hammond’s specific claim about community interaction.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice isn’t relevant to the claim. While it indicates economic and cultural development, it doesn’t address Hammond’s specific claim about community interaction.
3
- (Choice A, Correct) This is the best choice. Enrollment and attendance are logical ways to measure whether students are interested and engaged. High enrollment and attendance suggests a high level of interest and engagement.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. This tells us about teacher enjoyment, which isn’t relevant to a claim about student interest and engagement.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. Students’ preferences between hip-hop and rap aren’t relevant to the claim, which is focused on whether or not students like classes that use hip-hop pedagogy (which includes the educational use of both hip-hop and rap).
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. While the first part of the sentence discusses social justice, the underlined claim focuses on student success, which is unrelated.
4
- (Choice A, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t illustrate the claim. While this quotation does focus on the rock, it suggests that the rock fears the sea. It lacks the sense of boldness and strength implied by the phrase “confront and restrain the sea”.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t illustrate the claim. This quotation focuses on the sea, not the rock.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t illustrate the claim. This quotation focuses on the sea, not the rock.
- (Choice D, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. This quotation focuses on the rock, which yells at the sea and announces its intent to “limit [the sea’s] power”. This matches the idea of confrontation and restraint in the claim we’re trying to support.
5
- (Choice A, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. The question, “To what purpose, April, do you return again?” suggests that April (and therefore spring in general) lacks clear purpose or value and that “beauty is not enough” to overcome Millay’s dislike of the season.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. Although it tells us that “the sun is hot on [Millay’s] neck”, we don’t know enough about Millay to ascertain if this is a positive or a negative for her.
- (Choice C, Incorrect) This choice actually weakens the claim. It describes the earth’s smell as good during the spring, suggesting an enjoyment of the season.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. It is about life overall, which isn’t relevant to a claim about springtime being overrated.
6
- (Choice A Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. Information about the newsletter’s initial funding doesn’t tell us about the influence that the newsletter eventually had.
- (Choice B, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. Where the publishers of Gidra were initially based doesn’t tell us about the newsletter’s overall influence.
- (Choice C, Checked, Correct) This is the best choice. If there were more Gidra readers than there were copies of the newsletter, then the newsletter’s influence would be much greater than its 4,000 monthly copies.
- (Choice D, Incorrect) This choice doesn’t support the claim. While the content of Gidra was undoubtedly related to the newsletter’s influence, this information isn’t relevant to the specific hypothesis about monthly circulation numbers.
To be added:
- Get Practice Tests for SAT Reading
- Using Evidence to Support a Thesis or Central Idea
- Where to Find More Textual Evidence Examples