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Cite Textual Evidence
& Draw Inferences

Learn to find proof in the text for what it says directly, and discover hidden meanings by reading between the lines.

Reading

What Is Textual Evidence?

Textual evidence is any word, phrase, sentence, or detail directly from the text that you use to support your ideas about what you read. Think of it as the proof behind your answer.

Without evidence, your answer is just a guess. With evidence, it becomes an argument.

What Is an Inference?

An inference is a conclusion you reach by combining clues in the text with what you already know from your own experience. The author does not state it directly: you figure it out.

Text Clues (what the author wrote) + Your Knowledge (what you already know) = Inference

Why Does This Matter?

★ Stronger Answers
Evidence turns opinions into supported arguments that convince others.
★ Deeper Understanding
Inferences help you see what the author really means, not just what they say.
★ Every Subject
You will use this skill in science, history, and every reading task in school and beyond.

The Core Rule

Every Claim Needs Proof Explicit Evidence Stated directly in text Inference Figured out from clues Both need text evidence!

Explicit vs. Inference

Explicit (Stated) Inference (Unstated)
Definition The answer is right there in the text You figure it out from clues
How to find Quote or paraphrase a sentence Combine details + your knowledge
Example prompt "According to the text..." "What can you conclude..."
Evidence needed? Yes: exact words Yes: supporting clues

How to Cite Evidence: Step by Step

1
Read the question carefully. Decide: is it asking what the text says (explicit) or what you can figure out (inference)?
2
Re-read the text. Look for key words, phrases, and details that connect to the question.
3
Select your evidence. Choose the strongest quote or detail: the one that most directly supports your answer.
4
Explain the connection. Tell how your evidence supports your claim: don't just drop a quote and walk away.

Example 1: Finding Explicit Evidence

Text Passage "Maya stared at the empty birdcage. She had left the window open all afternoon. Now the cage door swung gently in the breeze."

This is explicit evidence: the answer is stated word-for-word in the text. You can point right to it.

Example 2: Making an Inference

Same Passage "Maya stared at the empty birdcage. She had left the window open all afternoon. Now the cage door swung gently in the breeze."

The text never says "the bird flew away." You inferred it from clues: but you still cited three pieces of evidence.

Example 3: A Trickier Inference

New Passage "Jamal walked slowly into the classroom, his shoulders hunched and his eyes on the floor. When his teacher said, 'Good morning, Jamal,' he barely whispered a reply."

Notice how the student names specific details and explains what each one suggests. That is strong citing.

Signal Words That Tell You What to Do

Explicit Signals
"According to the text..."
"The author states..."
"Which sentence shows..."
"The text says..."
Inference Signals
"What can you conclude..."
"The reader can infer..."
"What does this suggest..."
"Most likely..."

Phrases for Citing Evidence

1
"The text states..." followed by the exact quote in quotation marks.
2
"According to the passage..." then paraphrase the relevant detail.
3
"For example, the author writes..." when introducing a quote as support.
4
"This shows that..." to explain how the evidence connects to your point.

Strong vs. Weak Evidence

Strong Evidence Weak Evidence
Specificity Quotes exact words or details Vague: "somewhere in the story"
Relevance Directly answers the question Interesting but off-topic
Explanation Tells how it proves the point Drops a quote with no explanation
Source From the text itself From memory or outside knowledge only

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕ No Evidence at All
Answering with only your opinion: "I think she's sad" without pointing to anything in the text.
✕ Wrong Evidence
Choosing a quote that doesn't actually support your claim: it might be from the text, but it proves something else.
✕ Quoting Without Explaining
Dropping a quote and stopping. You must connect the evidence to your answer with "This shows that..."

Quick Review: Key Takeaways

✓ Explicit
The answer is stated directly in the text. Quote it.
✓ Inference
The answer is not stated. Combine clues + knowledge. Still cite the clues.
✓ Always Cite
Every claim needs specific text evidence and an explanation.

Question 1 of 5

Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that the house looks neglected?

Question 2 of 5

What can you infer about Lena's grades?

Question 3 of 5

A student writes: "I think the character is brave." What is the biggest problem with this response?

Question 4 of 5

Which is the best inference about Carlos, supported by the text?

Question 5 of 5

When you make an inference, which of the following is true?