Supporting
Evidence
Learn how to find and select the best evidence from a passage to back up your answer on the SSAT.
What Is Evidence?
In reading comprehension, evidence is the specific words, phrases, or sentences from the passage that prove your answer is correct. Think of it as the "proof" that backs up a claim: without it, an answer is just a guess.
Why Evidence Matters on the SSAT
Types of Evidence
The Evidence Rule
Evidence vs. Opinion
| Evidence (Text-Based) | Opinion (Not Supported) | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Comes from the passage | Comes from your own ideas |
| You can... | Point to exact words | Only say "I think" |
| On the SSAT | Leads to the correct answer | Leads to trap answers |
| Example | "The author states that..." | "I feel like the author..." |
How to Find Evidence: Step by Step
Worked Example: Finding the Detail
Question: According to the passage, how does the barn owl find its prey?
Worked Example: Paraphrased Evidence
Question: What effect did the drought have on the farming community?
Worked Example: Inference Evidence
Question: How is Maya most likely feeling?
The "Point to It" Test
Strong vs. Weak Evidence
| Strong Evidence | Weak Evidence | |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | Points to an exact line | Vaguely "from the passage" |
| Relevance | Directly answers the question | Mentions the topic but not the answer |
| Completeness | Covers the full claim | Only supports part of the claim |
| Result | Confident selection | Risky guess |
Watch the Wording
SSAT questions use specific phrases that tell you what kind of evidence to look for:
Common Mistakes
Evidence Strategy Summary
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Read Question | Identify the question type | Tells you what to search for |
| 2. Scan Passage | Find key words from the question | Narrows down the right section |
| 3. Read Context | Read sentences around key words | Gets the full meaning |
| 4. Match to Choices | Compare passage text to answers | Identifies the best supported option |
| 5. Eliminate | Drop choices with no text support | Avoids traps and guessing |
Question 1 of 5
"The Arctic fox changes its fur color with the seasons. In winter, its coat turns pure white, blending perfectly with the snow. In summer, it shifts to brown or grey to match the rocky tundra."
According to the passage, why does the Arctic fox's fur turn white in winter?
Question 2 of 5
"By the late 1800s, many American cities were growing rapidly. Immigrants arrived in waves, and housing could not keep up with demand. Families often shared small apartments, and some buildings held dozens of families in just a few rooms."
Which answer is best supported by the passage?
Question 3 of 5
"Lena walked into the room and froze. Every chair was filled. Dozens of faces looked up at her, and the judge sat at the front with a stack of papers. Lena's hands began to tremble."
The passage suggests that Lena is most likely feeling:
Question 4 of 5
"Honeybees perform a special movement called a 'waggle dance' to communicate the location of flowers to other bees. The angle of the dance tells direction, and the length of the waggle tells distance."
Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that the waggle dance is a form of communication?
Question 5 of 5
"The old lighthouse had not been used in years. Its paint was peeling, the windows were shattered, and the iron railing had rusted through. Still, every evening, the townspeople noticed a faint light flickering from the top."
A student claims the lighthouse is in poor condition. Which evidence from the passage best supports this claim?