How Do You Get to Understand Command of Evidence in Digital SAT Reading as a English Language Learner?
Prepare for the Digital SAT reading section! Analyzing textual and quantitative evidence for English language learners
There are two parts to command of evidence:
- Textual evidence
- Quantitative evidence
Understand table data, a graph or a passage of text and understand the ‘claim’ which is supported.
What is quantitative evidence?
Do you think weight increases as people are more taller? If so, you think that weight and height are related or correlated.
In the graph of samples of height and weight, which of the following is true?
- A. As height increases the value of weight increases
- B. As height increases the value of weight decreases
- C. Height has no effect on weight
- D. Height and weight are the same
Did you know? Correlated means that as one variable (e.g. height) changes another variable (e.g. weight) changes with it.
If you answered A then you were correct. As height increases so does weight. This is called positive correlation.
What about the sales of ice-cream and the weather? If it is hotter (increase in temperature), do you think the sales of ice-creams are affected?
In the graph of samples of ice-cream sales and temperature, which of the following is true?
- A. As temperature increases the ice-cream sales decreases
- B. temperature has no effect on ice-cream sales
- C. As temperature increases the ice-cream sales increases
- D. temperature and weight are the ice-cream sales
This is the same as the first question, and we see the positive correlation again, so C is the answer.
How about these graphs? What do they show?
- Does time spent watching TV effect exam scores? In a positive or negative way?
- Is show size and amount of movies watched related?
- How about drinking coffee (called coffee consumption), does this effect your intelligence (IQ)?
- How about the hours of sleep per week, does this effect the exam grades? If so, how ‘strong’ is the connection?
What is the Evidence to Support the Claim?
Text: If you sleep more , you are more likely to get better grades.
- meaning of ‘claim’ – what does this text claim? What does the text state? What is the hypothesis?
- support the ‘claim’ -what evidence would help make this ‘claim’ appear to be correct?
in SAT ‘command of evidence’ questions we see this phrase- ‘most strongly supports that claim’.
Supports the claim means:
- says the same thing (as the text/passage)
- means the same thing
- proves the point
- gives evidence that it is true
And, ‘most strongly’ means the option that supports the claim the most.
ELL quantitative evidence questions
Do you think weight increases as people are more taller? If so, you think that weight and height are related or correlated.
In the graph we have the amount of sleep in hours, and the exam grades of students.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the student’s hypothesis?
- A. Students with less sleep get lower exam scores
- B. Students with less sleep get higher exam scores
- C. Students with more sleep get lower exam scores
- D. Amount of sleep does not affect the exam scores of students.
In the graph we have the amount of cups of coffee students drink, and their exam grades.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the student’s hypothesis?
- A. Students with less coffee consumption get lower exam scores
- B. Students with less coffee consumption get higher exam scores
- C. Students with more coffee consumption get lower exam scores
- D. Amount of coffee consumption does not affect the exam scores of students.
Command of evidence questions
SAT evidence questions are worded like these:
- Which finding from the tests, if true, would most strongly support _name_ hypothesis?
- Which finding, if true, would most directly support the _name_ hypothesis?
- Which finding, if true, would most directly support _name_ conclusion?
- Which option would best illustrate the researcher’s claim?
- Which part from the passage most effectively illustrates the claim?
Did you get A and D for the answers of the graph and evidence questions above?
ELL Textual evidence examples
Example 1
Living in Thailand I have met so many people. I know why it is called the land of smiles as it seemed that whatever the place, time or situation the people that I met are happy, smiling, friendly and nice.
- Thai people are lovely.
- Thailand has many people.
- Thai people are happy to see tourists.
- Thai people are unhappy to see tourists.
Order the options a, b, c and d in order of ‘supporting the claim’ most strongly.
Example 2
Many books, TV programs, courses and media try different approaches to healthy meals, yet some of the most balanced meals are seen in the delicious food of Thai traditional dishes.
- Thai food includes rice.
- Thailand has many types of food.
- Thai meals blend different types of food.
- Thai food is very tasty.
Order the options a, b, c and d in order of ‘supporting the claim’ most strongly.
Explanation (1): although three of the options are true and the other is not serious, only one answer is directly related to the passage. It starts with lining in Thailand so is not related to tourists, and 2 is related to the phrase ‘many people’ but the meaning of the passage, the claim, is strongly supported by option 1. supported
Explanation (2): again there are many true options but the claim is that Thai food has balanced meals, so 3 is the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is command of evidence in the SAT?
Command of Evidence is a type of SAT Reading and Writing question that asks you to identify the best textual or quantitative evidence to support a claim, answer a previous question, or evaluate the author’s reasoning. These questions test your ability to interpret direct evidence and understand how an author builds an argument across a sentence, paragraph, or the rest of the passage.
What does command of evidence mean?
In SAT test prep, “command of evidence” means demonstrating that you can select the best evidence to support a conclusion, describe a writer’s assumption, or explain how a quote, sentence, or structure supports the author’s claim or point. It is crucial for understanding both textual and quantitative passages.
How do I get better at command of evidence questions?
To improve, practice identifying best textual evidence by linking your answer to the previous question with a specific quote or line that supports it. Use resources like Alps or Khan Academy, review the types of questions that appear on the SAT and PSAT, and analyze the structure of arguments in each paragraph. Understanding the author’s intention and evaluating incorrect vs. valid evidence are key tips.
How many command of evidence questions are on the SAT?
There are typically around 8–10 Command of Evidence questions across the SAT Reading and Writing sections, including both textual and quantitative evidence types. These may require selecting a sentence that best supports an answer or interpreting a chart or graph that demonstrates a point.
What are the 4 types of evidence and examples?
Types of evidence in SAT passages include:
- Direct textual evidence: Quotes or phrases from the passage.
- Quantitative evidence: Data from graphs, tables, or charts.
- Structural evidence: How the paragraph or essay is organized.
- Logical evidence: Reasoning or assumptions the author relies on.
For example, a question may ask which sentence “best supports” the claim made in the previous paragraph.
What are the command of quantitative evidence tips?
For quantitative evidence questions, read the data first. Identify what claim or point the author makes, then evaluate which chart or table supports or contradicts that claim. Pay close attention to units, percentages, and trends. Always match the interpretation to what the author describes, not just what you assume.
How do I answer SAT command of evidence questions?
First, read the question carefully. Then find the answer to the previous question (if applicable) and evaluate which line or sentence provides the best evidence. Eliminate choices that are only partially correct, overly broad, or that don’t directly relate to the author’s argument. Strong practice questions and structured review will build this skill over time.
Further Information and Study Tips
Practice with real passages from PSAT and SAT Reading and Writing sections. Focus on questions that ask you to evaluate the author of the passage, specify types of evidence, or reconsider an assumption.
Understand how to analyze the structure of an essay or paragraph. Look at how the author develops a claim, and identify whether the evidence is robust, valid, or incorrect.
Learn to describe, demonstrate, and interpret the role of each sentence. Ask yourself: Does this quote compel me to believe the author’s claim or point?
When reviewing answer choices, always ask: Which one best supports the interpretation of the paragraph or rest of the passage?
Remember: “Command of Evidence” questions don’t just test memory—they evaluate your ability to reason through and defend your interpretation with best evidence.