SAT Reading & Writing: Pairing Quotes with Claims (Command of Evidence)
39+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
Command of Evidence questions give you a claim and ask which quote from a paired text best supports it.
- 2
The quote must logically and directly support the specific claim — not just relate to the same topic.
- 3
Read the claim first with extreme precision. Every word matters: "always," "sometimes," "primarily," "some."
- 4
Eliminate quotes that are on-topic but prove something adjacent to, rather than the same as, the claim.
- 5
A quote that contradicts or is neutral to the claim is always wrong, even if it comes from the same text.
- ✗ Choosing a quote that discusses the same subject as the claim without actually supporting it.
- ✗ Selecting the longest or most detailed quote assuming more detail = stronger support.
SAT-style practice
Claim: Urban noise pollution negatively affects bird communication. Which quote best supports this?
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