Textual Evidence — SAT Reading & Writing Explained
Textual evidence questions ask you to identify which quote or portion of the passage best supports a given claim or interpretation.
The Core Idea
Every interpretation of a passage must be grounded in something the text actually says. When you make a claim about what the passage means, there must be words in the passage that support it. Textual evidence is the anchor between interpretation and the text.
Key Vocabulary
A quote or specific part of the passage that supports a claim
SAT's label for questions asking you to justify an interpretation
Evidence that directly and specifically supports the claim being evaluated
A passage excerpt that relates to the topic but does not support the specific claim
Strategy For Paired Questions
1. Read both questions together before answering
2. Identify what claim question 1 is making
3. The correct answer to question 2 must directly support that specific claim
4. Watch for 'traps' — evidence about the same topic but supporting a different point
Common Errors to Avoid
Choosing evidence that discusses the same topic but doesn't support the specific claim
Selecting a quote that is dramatically worded but off-target
Not reading both paired questions together when they're linked
How This Connects to Other Topics
Foundation of information & ideas section; works with Evidence-based Questions directly
Practice: Textual Evidence
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
Elephants are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. They display complex social behaviors, including mourning their dead — standing near deceased companions for extended periods and returning to their remains long after death. Researchers have documented elephants using tools, cooperating to solve problems, and even recognizing themselves in mirrors, a behavior associated with self-awareness in very few species. Their remarkable memories allow them to recall the locations of water sources across vast distances, even after many years without visiting those sites.
A student claims that elephants demonstrate self-awareness. Which quotation from the passage best supports this claim?
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