Teaching SAT Textual Evidence Questions

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in solving a textual evidence question?

Test the choices

Create a test phrase

Identify the argument (correct)

Stay specific to the text

When testing choices, you should select a choice that 'almost' or 'kind of' feels like evidence.

False

What should you do if you need to connect too many dots to make the evidence match the argument?

eliminate the choice

After identifying the argument, you should rephrase it into a simple _______.

phrase Signup and view all the answers

Match each step to its description:

Identify the argument = Determine the central claim or hypothesis of the text Create a test phrase = Rephrase the argument in its simplest form Test the choices = Evaluate options against the test phrase to find the best fit Stay specific = Focus on choices that directly address main argument Signup and view all the answers

What kind of twists and turns should you look out for when evaluating choices?

Those that make a choice seem relevant, but actually change the focus Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating answers, you should search for options that broaden the argument as it helps explore more ideas.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be 'strict' when selecting evidence?

to look for direct evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial initial step for tackling Textual Evidence questions?

Paraphrasing the author's claim or hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

Textual Evidence questions typically require you to find the answer directly stated in the passage.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of textual evidence questions discussed?

Scientific evidence and literary evidence Signup and view all the answers

In scientific evidence questions, the task involves interpreting the researchers' hypothesis, identifying the research outcome that would ______ that hypothesis, and then selecting the choice that offers that outcome.

support Signup and view all the answers

Match the following question types with their respective focus:

Scientific evidence questions = Interpreting research hypotheses and outcomes Literary evidence questions = Evaluating quotations from a literary work Textual evidence questions = Applying big ideas to different situations Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid attempting when answering Textual Evidence questions?

Finding the answer in the wording of the text. Signup and view all the answers

Prior knowledge of the literary work is necessary to answer literary evidence questions correctly.

False Signup and view all the answers

What skill is essential for evaluating literary evidence?

Ability to evaluate quotations from literary works Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Succeeding on Textual Evidence Questions

Understanding the author's claim is key. Summarize the author's position; this helps identify supporting or opposing information. Imagine explaining the thesis to someone else.
Give yourself time. Textual Evidence questions require deeper thought than other SAT Reading questions, which often need quick understanding. Careful evaluation of potential supporting or undermining evidence is needed.
The answer isn't always "in" the passage. The questions often ask about new ideas or different interpretations. Apply the big ideas from the passage to new contexts, not just locate exact phrases.

Two Types of Textual Evidence Questions

Scientific evidence: Focuses on scientific or social science hypotheses, usually new research. Information needed is contained within the passage; prior scientific knowledge isn't required. Tasks include interpreting the hypothesis, identifying supporting research outcomes, and selecting the best choice. This mirrors confirming or rejecting hypotheses through experiments.
Literary evidence: Focuses on interpreting a literary work (poem, novel, etc.). Identify the argument the passage makes about the work, and then evaluate whether each quotation directly supports that argument. Previous knowledge of the literary work isn't necessary. This mirrors identifying and using text evidence to support claims in an essay.

How to Approach Textual Evidence Questions

Step 1: Identify the Argument: Every question presents a central argument (hypothesis, interpretation). Identify and clearly state this argument from the text.
Step 2: Create a Test Phrase: Rephrase the argument in the simplest terms possible to easily identify supporting evidence.
Step 3: Test the Choices: Read each choice carefully, keeping the test phrase in mind. Eliminate any choice that differs significantly from the test phrase. Select the choice that directly mirrors the test phrase.

Top Tips for Success

Stay Specific: Focus on the passage's specific argument; avoid choices that broaden or change the focus. Watch for subtle changes that might seem relevant but alter the core argument.
Be Strict: Look for the most direct, strongest evidence. Eliminate choices that are "almost" or "kind of" related; if connecting dots is necessary, the evidence is likely weak.

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Description

Enhance your skills for tackling textual evidence questions, particularly in the context of standardized tests like the SAT. This quiz will guide you through understanding the author's claim and applying big ideas in various contexts. Prepare to critically evaluate and interpret scientific evidence.