Evidence in Text - PSAT Reading & Writing

Answer the claim question first, then match evidence. Understanding the claim helps identify which evidence supports it.

Claim = conclusion; evidence = text details proving it. Claims are what you argue; evidence is the proof from the text.

Implied detail that logically supports the inference. Inferences require evidence that suggests rather than states directly.

A repeated pattern across multiple parts of the text. Patterns show consistency, making them stronger than single instances.

The author’s emphasis (what is highlighted and why). Authors emphasize what matters most to their purpose.

A key reason that directly supports the claim. Supporting reasons directly prove the argument's validity.

An explicit causal cue (because, therefore, led to). Causal words explicitly show cause-effect relationships.

The choice that most directly supports the claim. Direct support trumps tangential truth every time.

Local context clues near the word or phrase. Surrounding words reveal meaning through usage, not definitions.

A: “Rules protect consumers.”. Positive statement about rules shows author's supportive stance.

A: “Because it rained all night…”. "Because" explicitly establishes the causal relationship.

A: “However, the mood darkened.”. "However" signals contrast; "darkened" shows the negative shift.

B: “Method 1 was faster than Method 2.”. Direct comparison statement provides specific evidence of difference.

B: “To their surprise…”. "To their surprise" explicitly states the unexpected result.

Restate the question as a specific claim that must be supported. Converting the question to a claim clarifies what evidence to seek.

The most directly relevant, specific, and explicit support in the text. Look for quotes that directly address the claim without requiring interpretation.

A verifiable fact, example, statistic, or described event from the text. Evidence must be objective and observable, not subjective interpretation.

Claim = conclusion; evidence = text details that support the conclusion. Claims assert what's true; evidence provides the proof from the text.

The text states the support directly, not by implication. Explicit means clearly stated in the text without needing interpretation.

The support is inferred by combining details the text provides. Implicit requires reading between the lines to understand the meaning.

A precise quoted detail that directly supports the claim. Specific quotes provide stronger proof than general paraphrasing.

Choosing a true detail that is relevant but does not prove the claim. Watch for details that are true but don't actually support the specific claim.

A line that links the cause to the effect using clear reasoning or cues. Look for transition words like "because" or "resulted in" that show causation.

Details showing what the author is trying to do (inform, persuade, critique). Focus on rhetorical strategies and language that reveals intent.

A central statement or repeated key point, not a minor example. Main ideas appear prominently, not buried in supporting details.

Diction and connotation that consistently signal the attitude. Word choice reveals emotional attitude through positive/negative connotations.

B) "perhaps". "Perhaps" expresses possibility, showing the speaker lacks certainty.

C) "troubling". "Troubling" has negative connotations indicating concern or worry.

A) "Unlike A, B...". "Unlike" explicitly signals a comparison between two things.