SAT Reading and Writing Flashcards: Evidence In Text

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Evidence In Text, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for SAT Reading and Writing.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify a phrase that introduces an author's opinion.

Answer: In my view. Signals the author's personal perspective or viewpoint.

Flashcard 2: Identify the best evidence for a main idea: A a broad summary sentence, or B a minor example detail.

Answer: A broad summary sentence. A broad summary encapsulates the overarching theme, offering stronger support for the main idea than isolated details.

Flashcard 3: Which term describes evidence that weakens an argument?

Answer: Contradictory evidence. Evidence that goes against or undermines the main point.

Flashcard 4: What question should you ask to evaluate evidence quality?

Answer: Is the evidence relevant and reliable. Quality evidence must connect to the claim and be trustworthy.

Flashcard 5: Find the evidence that supports this claim: 'Exercise improves mood.'

Answer: Studies show regular exercise releases endorphins. Scientific research directly supports the mood claim.

Flashcard 6: Which phrase indicates textual evidence follows?

Answer: For example, ... Common transition phrase introducing supporting examples.

Flashcard 7: Which evidence type is best for historical arguments?

Answer: Primary source evidence. Original documents provide the most authentic evidence.

Flashcard 8: What is the advantage of using direct quotations as evidence?

Answer: Provides precise support from the original source. Exact words preserve the author's original meaning.

Flashcard 9: Identify the evidence's role: 'The data confirms...'

Answer: Supports the argument with empirical data. Data provides measurable proof for the claim.

Flashcard 10: Identify a keyword that indicates a contrast in a text.

Answer: However. Shows opposition or difference between two ideas or statements.

Flashcard 11: Identify the main benefit of using multiple evidence types.

Answer: Increases the argument's credibility and persuasiveness. Diverse evidence types strengthen overall persuasion.

Flashcard 12: What is a counterclaim?

Answer: An argument opposing the main claim. Presents an alternative viewpoint to consider.

Flashcard 13: Which choice is best evidence when an option is true but too broad for the specific claim?

Answer: The choice that matches the claim's exact scope. Evidence must precisely align with the claim's boundaries to avoid overgeneralization, ensuring targeted and accurate support.

Flashcard 14: Which type of evidence is based on statistics and facts?

Answer: Quantitative evidence. Numbers and data provide measurable proof.

Flashcard 15: What is the goal of analyzing evidence in a text?

Answer: To assess its effectiveness in supporting the argument. Evaluate how well evidence backs up the main claim.

Flashcard 16: Identify the incorrect evidence use: 'All scientists agree...'

Answer: Overgeneralization. Makes sweeping claims without sufficient support.

Flashcard 17: Which option is the best evidence for the claim that the author is criticizing the plan: A "innovative" or B "shortsighted"?

Answer: B: "shortsighted". The term 'shortsighted' conveys negative judgment, providing clear evidence of the author's critical stance toward the plan.

Flashcard 18: What is the key test for whether a quote is relevant evidence for a claim?

Answer: It directly supports the claim without extra assumptions. Relevance is determined by the quote's ability to provide straightforward validation to the claim, avoiding the need for additional inferences.

Flashcard 19: Which quote best supports a comparison claim: "X is faster than Y"? A "X is fast" B "X finished before Y".

Answer: B: "X finished before Y". Quote B provides a direct comparative outcome, evidencing X's superior speed relative to Y in the given context.

Flashcard 20: What is the best approach to paired questions: answer then evidence, or evidence then answer?

Answer: Answer first, then choose the evidence that best supports it. Determining the answer initially ensures selection of evidence that aligns most closely with the interpreted claim in paired questions.

Flashcard 21: Choose a word that signals an example in a text.

Answer: For instance. Introduces a specific case that illustrates the general point.

Flashcard 22: Identify the evidence type: 'According to Dr. Smith, ...'

Answer: Authoritative evidence. References an expert source for credibility.

Flashcard 23: Which evidence type involves personal experiences?

Answer: Anecdotal evidence. Personal stories provide relatable, human examples.

Flashcard 24: What is the difference between evidence and commentary in a passage?

Answer: Evidence is factual support; commentary is interpretation or opinion. Evidence provides objective data or facts from the text, whereas commentary involves the author's subjective analysis or viewpoint.

Flashcard 25: Which evidence type is used in this statement: '5 out of 6 dentists recommend...'

Answer: Statistical evidence. Uses numerical data to support the recommendation.

Flashcard 26: What does the term 'textual evidence' refer to?

Answer: Specific details or quotes from a text used to support an argument. Direct quotes and facts from the passage that back up your point.

Flashcard 27: Identify the evidence type: 'In my experience, ...'

Answer: Anecdotal evidence. Personal experience provides individual perspective.

Flashcard 28: Identify the best evidence: Claim: "The speaker is uncertain." A: "It will happen." B: "It might happen."

Answer: B: "It might happen.". Option B uses modal language indicating possibility rather than certainty, directly evidencing the speaker's uncertainty.

Flashcard 29: Which phrase would indicate a cause-and-effect relationship?

Answer: As a result. Connects an outcome directly to its preceding cause.

Flashcard 30: What is the first step in integrating evidence into writing?

Answer: Identify the relevant evidence that supports your claim. Choose evidence that directly connects to your point.

Flashcard 31: Which type of evidence is strongest: a general statement or a specific detail from the text?

Answer: A specific detail from the text. Specific details offer more precise and robust support compared to vague generalizations in validating claims within the text.

Flashcard 32: Which option is best evidence if two quotes support the claim, but one is more direct?

Answer: Choose the quote that most directly and completely supports it. The most direct quote provides clearer, more comprehensive validation without requiring further interpretation to connect to the claim.

Flashcard 33: Identify the evidence that supports a cause-and-effect claim: A "after the change, errors dropped" or B "errors were common".

Answer: A: "after the change, errors dropped". Option A demonstrates a temporal relationship implying causation between the change and reduced errors, supporting cause-and-effect.

Flashcard 34: Identify the primary purpose of citing evidence in a text.

Answer: To support claims or arguments with concrete details. Evidence transforms opinions into convincing arguments.

Flashcard 35: What is the purpose of citing evidence in an argument?

Answer: To support or substantiate a claim or argument. Evidence strengthens your position by providing proof.

Flashcard 36: Which type of evidence relies on expert opinions?

Answer: Authoritative evidence. Experts lend credibility through specialized knowledge.

Flashcard 37: Identify the best evidence: Claim: "The policy reduced costs." Quote A: "Costs fell 12%." Quote B: "The policy was popular."

Answer: Quote A. Quote A offers quantifiable data directly linking the policy to cost reduction, making it the strongest supporting evidence.