Cite Textual Evidence/Draw Inferences (Text)
Help Questions
6th Grade Reading › Cite Textual Evidence/Draw Inferences (Text)
Read the text: In the 1800s, thousands of workers moved from farms to cities. Factories offered steady wages, unlike farming where income depended on weather and crop prices. City populations tripled between 1850 and 1900. Many factory workers lived in crowded, poorly ventilated buildings. What does the evidence suggest about why people moved? Cite evidence to support your inference.
People moved because cities were quiet and relaxing, and the passage says the air was always fresh.
People moved mainly for reliable pay: factories offered “steady wages,” while farm income “depended on weather and crop prices,” even though housing was “crowded.”
People moved because they wanted to avoid all work, since the text states factories did not require labor.
People moved because they liked tall buildings more than farms.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: thousands moved from farms to cities, factories offered steady wages, farming income depended on weather and crop prices, city populations tripled 1850-1900, workers lived in crowded, poorly ventilated buildings. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: people valued economic security over comfort. The passage doesn't state 'workers valued economic security over comfort,' but this can be inferred because workers moved to cities (explicit) despite crowded, poorly ventilated buildings (explicit) for steady wages (explicit), showing they prioritized reliable income over living conditions. Choice A is correct because it makes a logical inference AND cites supporting evidence AND provides specific textual support AND explains reasoning from evidence to inference. The answer correctly infers people moved mainly for reliable pay and supports it with specific evidence: factories offered 'steady wages' (positive factor pulling people to cities), while farm income 'depended on weather and crop prices' (negative factor pushing people from farms), even though housing was 'crowded' (showing they accepted poor conditions for economic security). The inference is reasonable because people chose steady wages despite poor living conditions, indicating economic security was their priority. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact quotes), ATTRIBUTED (from the text), and for inferences, EXPLAINED (shows reasoning from evidence to conclusion). Choice B is incorrect because it contradicts the text. The passage explicitly states workers lived in 'crowded, poorly ventilated buildings'—the opposite of quiet, relaxing, and fresh air. This answer invents false evidence and ignores what the text actually says. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY (what text actually says, not the opposite), and answers must not contradict explicit textual evidence.
Read the text: The lake’s water level dropped three feet over the summer. No major rainstorms occurred during June, July, or August. Meanwhile, three new housing developments were built around the lake, each with water access. Local farmers also increased irrigation of their crops. Based on the passage, what can you infer caused the lake level to drop? Cite evidence to support your inference.
We can infer extra water use and little refilling caused the drop: there were “no major rainstorms,” plus “three new housing developments” with water access and “increased irrigation.”
The lake dropped because fish drank too much water, and the text proves it by listing the fish species.
The lake dropped because the developments blocked the wind, so the water disappeared faster.
We can infer it was hot, so the lake dropped, but the passage doesn’t give any evidence.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: water level dropped three feet, no major rainstorms in June/July/August, three new housing developments built with water access, farmers increased irrigation. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: increased water use combined with lack of rain caused the drop. The text never says 'increased water use caused the drop,' but this can be inferred because we have explicit evidence of multiple new water users (developments and increased irrigation) plus explicit evidence of no rain to refill the lake, so logically the combination of more water being taken out and less water coming in would cause the level to drop. Choice A is correct because it makes a logical inference AND cites supporting evidence AND provides specific textual support AND explains reasoning from evidence to inference. The answer correctly infers that extra water use and little refilling caused the drop, then supports it with specific evidence: 'no major rainstorms' (lack of refilling), 'three new housing developments' with water access (new water users), and 'increased irrigation' (more water use by farmers). The inference is reasonable because the combination of no rain (no water coming in) plus multiple new water users (more water going out) logically explains why the lake level would drop. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact quotes or details), ATTRIBUTED (indicates source is the text), and for inferences, EXPLAINED (shows reasoning from evidence to conclusion). Choice B is incorrect because it makes an unsupported inference not justified by text. The passage never mentions fish drinking water or lists fish species, and this explanation contradicts basic science—fish don't cause lakes to drop by drinking. This answer invents evidence not in the text and shows faulty reasoning. Strong textual evidence citation requires SPECIFICITY (exact quotes or details, not made-up information), ACCURACY (what text actually says, not inventions), and for inferences, LOGICAL REASONING (evidence must actually support the conclusion, not be scientifically impossible).
Read the text: When the teacher announced the surprise quiz, Marcus slumped in his seat and stared at his desk. He twisted his pencil and glanced at his classmates’ papers. Sarah, meanwhile, sat up straight, smiled, and immediately began writing. Explain how you know Marcus was likely worried or unprepared. Use evidence from the text.
Marcus was worried because quizzes are always scary for everyone, so that must be true here.
Marcus was excited because he smiled and began writing right away, just like Sarah did.
Marcus was unprepared because the text says, “Marcus forgot to study,” and it also lists his grade.
Marcus was likely worried because he “slumped in his seat,” “stared at his desk,” and “glanced at his classmates’ papers,” which suggests he needed help.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: teacher announced surprise quiz, Marcus slumped in seat, stared at desk, twisted pencil, glanced at classmates' papers, Sarah sat up straight, smiled, immediately began writing. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: Marcus was worried/unprepared, Sarah was confident/prepared. The text never says 'Marcus was worried' or 'unprepared,' but this can be inferred from his body language and actions showing discomfort and seeking help. Choice A is correct because it makes a logical inference AND cites supporting evidence AND provides specific textual support AND explains reasoning from evidence to inference. The answer correctly infers Marcus was likely worried and cites evidence: he 'slumped in his seat' (body language showing defeat/worry), 'stared at his desk' (avoiding eye contact/engagement), and 'glanced at his classmates' papers' (seeking help/answers), behaviors that logically suggest anxiety about being unprepared. The inference is reasonable because these physical behaviors and actions consistently indicate discomfort and need for help, which align with being worried about the quiz. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact quotes of behaviors), ATTRIBUTED (from the text), and for inferences, EXPLAINED (shows how behaviors indicate emotional state). Choice C is incorrect because it cites evidence not in the text. The passage never states 'Marcus forgot to study' or mentions his grade—this answer invents false explicit evidence. Additionally, it confuses explicit and inferred information by claiming the text directly states something that would need to be inferred. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY (only citing what's actually in the text, not inventions) and correctly distinguishing between explicit statements and inferences.
Read the text: The scientist noticed the plant near the window grew 6 inches in two weeks, while the plant in the corner grew only 2 inches. Both plants received the same amount of water and soil. The window plant’s leaves were deep green, while the corner plant’s leaves appeared pale. What explicit evidence from the text shows the plants had the same care? Quote evidence.
The text states the corner plant was given extra fertilizer and more water.
The text states, “Both plants received the same amount of water and soil.”
The text states both plants were moved outside every day for sunlight.
The text states the scientist forgot to water both plants for a week.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: window plant grew 6 inches, corner plant grew 2 inches, 'Both plants received the same amount of water and soil,' window plant leaves deep green, corner plant leaves pale. This question asks for explicit evidence about equal care. Choice A is correct because it accurately quotes the text: The text states, 'Both plants received the same amount of water and soil.' This answer correctly provides explicit evidence by using quotation marks and citing the exact words that show the plants had the same care. For explicit evidence: This answer uses proper citation format with 'The text states' followed by the exact quote in quotation marks, providing direct textual evidence as requested. Good evidence citation for explicit information requires exact quotes with proper attribution. Choice C is incorrect because it cites something the text does not state—the passage never mentions the corner plant getting extra fertilizer or more water. In fact, this directly contradicts the explicit statement that both plants received the same amount of water and soil. This answer invents false evidence that contradicts the text. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY—only quoting what's actually in the text, not inventions that contradict explicit statements.
Read the text: The scientist noticed the plant near the window grew 6 inches in two weeks, while the plant in the corner grew only 2 inches. Both plants received the same amount of water and soil. The window plant’s leaves were deep green, while the corner plant’s leaves appeared pale. Cite two pieces of evidence that support the inference that sunlight helped the window plant grow more.
Evidence: the corner plant grew 6 inches and had deep green leaves, so it must have had more sunlight.
Sunlight helped because plants always like sunlight; no evidence is needed.
Evidence: the window plant “grew 6 inches” while the corner plant “grew only 2 inches,” and both got “the same amount of water and soil,” so location/light likely mattered.
Evidence: the scientist wore gloves and used a notebook, proving the window plant had more sunlight.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: window plant grew 6 inches, corner plant grew 2 inches, both received same water and soil, window plant leaves deep green, corner plant leaves pale. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: sunlight helped the window plant grow more. The text never says 'sunlight caused the difference,' but this can be inferred because the plants had same water and soil (explicit) but different locations (explicit: window vs corner) and different results in both growth and leaf color (explicit), so location (sunlight access) must be the differentiating factor. Choice A is correct because it cites explicit evidence accurately AND provides specific textual support that allows for the inference about sunlight. The answer provides two key pieces of evidence: (1) the growth difference—window plant 'grew 6 inches' while corner plant 'grew only 2 inches,' and (2) the controlled variables—both got 'the same amount of water and soil.' This evidence supports the inference because when all other factors are the same (water, soil) but results differ (growth), the remaining variable (location: window vs corner) must be responsible, and windows provide more sunlight than corners. The answer also correctly notes 'so location/light likely mattered,' showing the reasoning from evidence to inference. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact measurements and conditions), ATTRIBUTED (from the text), and shows logical reasoning. Choice C is incorrect because it cites evidence incorrectly—the text states the corner plant grew only 2 inches (not 6) and had pale leaves (not deep green). This answer reverses the actual evidence, making it inaccurate. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY (citing what text actually says, not the opposite) and careful reading to avoid confusing which plant had which characteristics.
Read the text: When the teacher announced the surprise quiz, Marcus slumped in his seat and stared at his desk. He twisted his pencil and glanced at his classmates’ papers. Sarah, meanwhile, sat up straight, smiled, and immediately began writing. Based on the passage, what can you infer about Sarah? Cite evidence to support your inference.
Sarah was absent that day because the text says she was not in the classroom.
Sarah was confident because she is always confident; the text does not need to support it.
Sarah likely felt confident because she “sat up straight,” “smiled,” and “immediately began writing” when the quiz was announced.
Sarah was probably confused because she stared at her desk and twisted her pencil.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: Marcus slumped, stared at desk, twisted pencil, glanced at classmates' papers; Sarah sat up straight, smiled, immediately began writing. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: Sarah felt confident/prepared. The text never says 'Sarah was confident,' but this can be inferred from her positive body language and immediate action, which contrast sharply with Marcus's anxious behaviors. Choice A is correct because it makes a logical inference AND cites supporting evidence AND provides specific textual support. The answer correctly infers Sarah likely felt confident and cites evidence: she 'sat up straight' (confident posture), 'smiled' (positive emotion), and 'immediately began writing' (readiness to begin) when the quiz was announced. The inference is reasonable because these behaviors—upright posture, smiling, and quick start—are consistent indicators of confidence and preparedness, especially when contrasted with Marcus's opposite behaviors. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact behaviors quoted), ATTRIBUTED (from the text), and for inferences, EXPLAINED (shows how behaviors indicate emotional state). Choice B is incorrect because it attributes Marcus's behaviors to Sarah—the text clearly states MARCUS (not Sarah) stared at his desk and twisted his pencil, while Sarah showed opposite behaviors. This answer confuses the two characters and cites evidence about the wrong person. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY (attributing actions to correct characters) and careful reading to avoid mixing up different characters' behaviors.
Read the text: When the new student entered the classroom, most students kept working on their assignments. Two students at the back table waved and pointed to an empty seat beside them. The new student smiled, walked over, and sat down. By lunch, the three were eating together. What can you infer about how the new student felt? Cite evidence to support your inference.
The new student likely felt welcomed because two students “waved and pointed to an empty seat,” and later “the three were eating together” at lunch.
The new student felt bored because lunch is always boring for new students.
The new student felt unwelcome because most students kept working, so nobody could possibly be friendly.
The new student felt angry because everyone ignored them, and the text says the new student yelled at classmates.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: new student entered, most students kept working, two students waved and pointed to empty seat, new student smiled and walked over, by lunch the three were eating together. INFERRED information (not stated but can be concluded) includes: new student felt welcomed/accepted. The text never says 'the new student felt welcomed,' but this can be inferred from the positive interactions—being invited to sit, the new student's smile in response, and the quick progression to eating lunch together all suggest positive feelings. Choice A is correct because it makes a logical inference AND cites supporting evidence AND provides specific textual support AND explains reasoning from evidence to inference. The answer correctly infers the new student likely felt welcomed and cites evidence: two students 'waved and pointed to an empty seat' (friendly invitation), and later 'the three were eating together' at lunch (social inclusion). The inference is reasonable because these actions show progressive social acceptance—from initial invitation to shared meal—and the new student's smile and choice to sit with them indicates positive reception of the welcome. Good evidence citation is SPECIFIC (exact actions quoted), ATTRIBUTED (from the text), and for inferences, EXPLAINED (shows how friendly actions lead to feeling welcomed). Choice B is incorrect because it contradicts the text entirely. The passage shows the opposite—two students waved and invited the new student, not everyone ignoring them, and nothing mentions the new student yelling. This answer invents false evidence and ignores actual textual evidence. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY (what text actually says, not inventions) and cannot contradict explicit evidence in the passage.
Read the text: In the 1800s, thousands of workers moved from farms to cities. Factories offered steady wages, unlike farming where income depended on weather and crop prices. City populations tripled between 1850 and 1900. Many factory workers lived in crowded, poorly ventilated buildings. According to the text, what is one explicit detail about city life? Quote evidence.
The passage explicitly states cities had no factories at all.
The passage explicitly states every worker owned a large house with a garden.
The passage explicitly states city air was cleaner than farm air in every season.
The passage explicitly states many workers lived in “crowded, poorly ventilated buildings.”
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: thousands moved from farms to cities, factories offered steady wages, farming income depended on weather/crop prices, populations tripled, many workers lived in 'crowded, poorly ventilated buildings.' This question specifically asks for explicit (directly stated) information, not inference. Choice A is correct because it accurately quotes the text: The passage explicitly states many workers lived in 'crowded, poorly ventilated buildings.' This answer correctly identifies explicit information by quoting exact words from the passage. For explicit evidence: This answer accurately quotes the text using quotation marks around the exact phrase, providing the explicit information requested. Good evidence citation for explicit information requires exact quotes or accurate paraphrases of what's directly stated. Choice B is incorrect because it cites something the text does not state—the passage never says every worker owned a large house with a garden. In fact, this contradicts what the text explicitly states about crowded living conditions. This answer invents false explicit evidence. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY—only citing what the text actually states, not inventions or contradictions of the actual text.
Read the text: The lake’s water level dropped three feet over the summer. No major rainstorms occurred during June, July, or August. Meanwhile, three new housing developments were built around the lake, each with water access. Local farmers also increased irrigation of their crops. What explicit evidence from the text shows there was little rain? Quote evidence.
The text states, “It rained every afternoon all summer long.”
The text states, “Rain was the only reason the lake dropped.”
The text states, “No major rainstorms occurred during June, July, or August.”
The text states, “Snowstorms covered the lake in August.”
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.1: citing textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly (directly stated) as well as inferences drawn from the text (logical conclusions based on evidence but not directly stated), requiring students to ground both literal and interpretive understanding in specific text evidence. EXPLICIT information is stated directly in the text—you can quote or paraphrase it exactly (Example: 'The text states the plant grew 6 inches'). INFERENCE is a logical conclusion NOT directly stated but supported by text evidence—requires reasoning from evidence ('Based on the fact that the window plant grew 6 inches and the corner plant grew 2 inches, with both having same water and soil, we can infer that sunlight from the window caused the difference'). Both require citing TEXTUAL EVIDENCE—explicit evidence involves quoting/paraphrasing what's stated, while inference evidence involves citing the details that support your logical conclusion. Strong evidence citation includes: (1) Specific quotes or details (not vague references), (2) Attribution to text ('The passage states,' 'According to the text,' 'The evidence shows'), (3) For inferences: state conclusion + cite supporting evidence + explain reasoning that connects evidence to inference. In this passage, EXPLICIT information (directly stated) includes: lake level dropped three feet, 'No major rainstorms occurred during June, July, or August,' three new developments built, farmers increased irrigation. This question asks for explicit evidence about rain. Choice A is correct because it accurately quotes the text: The text states, 'No major rainstorms occurred during June, July, or August.' This answer correctly provides explicit evidence by using quotation marks and citing the exact words about lack of rain. For explicit evidence: This answer uses proper citation format with 'The text states' followed by the exact quote in quotation marks, providing direct textual evidence about rainfall as requested. Good evidence citation for explicit information requires exact quotes with proper attribution. Choice B is incorrect because it cites something completely opposite to what the text states—the passage explicitly says NO major rainstorms occurred, not that it rained every afternoon. This answer invents false evidence that directly contradicts the explicit text. Strong textual evidence citation requires ACCURACY—quoting what the text actually says, not stating the opposite of explicit information.