Evidence-based Questions — SAT Reading & Writing Explained
Evidence-based questions test whether a student can identify information in a passage that directly supports or substantiates a specific claim, and whether they understand the quality of that support.
The Core Idea
Not all evidence is created equal. Strong evidence directly, specifically, and completely supports the claim it's cited for. Weak evidence is tangentially related — it touches the same topic but doesn't actually prove the specific point.
Types Differentiated
Evidence explicitly states the claim being evaluated
Evidence logically implies the claim even if not stated outright
Evidence addresses the same topic but doesn't establish the specific claim
Evidence argues against the claim
Strategy For Evidence Questions
1. Restate the claim in your own words
2. Ask: Does this evidence answer the exact question the claim is making?
3. Watch for scope — evidence about a related topic is not support for a specific sub-claim
4. Test each choice: would you use this quote to prove exactly this point in an essay?
Common Errors to Avoid
Choosing evidence that's about the same person or topic but doesn't prove the stated claim
Not reading the claim carefully enough before evaluating evidence
Choosing the most 'impressive' or dramatic quote rather than the most relevant one
How This Connects to Other Topics
Builds on Textual Evidence; connects to Data Interpretation questions in this chapter
Practice: Evidence-based Questions
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
A study followed 1,000 adults over ten years. Those who reported high levels of social connection — close friendships, family bonds, community involvement — were 50% less likely to die during the study period than those who reported low levels of social connection. The effect was independent of age, health status at the start of the study, and socioeconomic factors.
Based on the passage, which claim is most directly supported by the evidence presented?
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