Develop Claims With Evidence: Fiction/Drama Practice Test

In the following excerpt from an original drama, a student claims that Father Calder’s contradictions reveal his hypocrisy about honesty.

Kitchen. Morning. A radio hums.

FATHER CALDER: In this house, we tell the truth—even when it bruises.

NORA: Then tell me why you took the money from the tin.

FATHER CALDER (opening the cupboard too hard): Watch your tone.

NORA: I’m watching your hands.

FATHER CALDER: I borrowed it. For the church.

NORA: The church has receipts.

FATHER CALDER (lowering his voice): Some truths don’t serve anyone.

Which piece of evidence most effectively supports the student’s claim?

In the following excerpt from an original drama, a student claims that the playwright critiques performative activism by contrasting slogans with private indifference.

Campus quad. A banner reads: “LISTEN LOUDER.” Students chant faintly offstage.

PRIYA (handing out flyers): Sign here—solidarity matters.

MILES (signs quickly): Anything else?

PRIYA: Come to the meeting tonight.

MILES: I can’t. I’m “self-care”-ing.

PRIYA: Miles, people are hurting.

MILES (checking his phone): I posted the graphic. That’s the important part.

PRIYA: For who?

Which piece of evidence most effectively supports the student’s claim?