Command of Evidence – Textual – SAT Reading

🎯 What You'll Learn

• How to identify the best textual evidence for a claim
• How to distinguish between strong and weak evidence
• How to support or weaken an argument using the text
• How to approach paired passage questions

📖 What Is Command of Evidence?

Command of Evidence questions ask you to find the part of the passage that provides the best support for a given claim or conclusion. These questions test your ability to:

Identify the strongest evidence for a claim
Recognize which evidence weakens an argument
Connect a claim to its supporting details
Find the "smoking gun" in the text

💡 Key Strategy

The correct evidence must directly support the claim. Don't choose evidence that is just related or vaguely connected. Look for the most specific and relevant text.

⚡ 3-Step Evidence Strategy

STEP 1

Read the Claim

Understand exactly what the claim or conclusion is.

STEP 2

Scan the Options

Read each evidence option carefully.

STEP 3

Test Each Option

Does it directly support the claim? Choose the best match.

🧪 Practice Questions

Read each passage and question carefully. Click "Show Answer" to see the correct evidence.

Question 1

Passage: (1) The rise of social media has transformed political campaigns. (2) Candidates now reach voters directly through platforms like Twitter and Instagram. (3) Traditional advertising methods, such as television commercials, have become less effective. (4) A recent study found that 65% of young voters learn about candidates from social media. (5) However, this shift has also led to increased political polarization.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that social media has become important for political campaigns?

A) Sentence 1: The rise of social media has transformed political campaigns.

B) Sentence 2: Candidates now reach voters directly through platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

C) Sentence 3: Traditional advertising methods, such as television commercials, have become less effective.

D) Sentence 4: A recent study found that 65% of young voters learn about candidates from social media.

✓ Answer: D

Sentence 4 provides specific, verifiable data (65% of young voters) that proves social media's importance. This is stronger evidence than general statements.

📌 Evidence: "A recent study found that 65% of young voters learn about candidates from social media."

Question 2

Passage: (1) The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. (2) It is home to thousands of species of fish, corals, and other marine life. (3) In recent years, rising ocean temperatures have caused mass coral bleaching events. (4) Scientists predict that if temperatures continue to rise, the reef could be completely destroyed by 2050. (5) A 2020 report showed that the reef had lost 50% of its coral cover since 1990.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that the Great Barrier Reef is in serious danger?

A) Sentence 1: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.

B) Sentence 2: It is home to thousands of species of fish, corals, and other marine life.

C) Sentence 3: In recent years, rising ocean temperatures have caused mass coral bleaching events.

D) Sentence 4: Scientists predict that if temperatures continue to rise, the reef could be completely destroyed by 2050.

E) Sentence 5: A 2020 report showed that the reef had lost 50% of its coral cover since 1990.

✓ Answer: E

Sentence 5 provides concrete data (50% loss since 1990) that proves the reef is in serious danger. This is stronger than predictions or general statements.

📌 Evidence: "A 2020 report showed that the reef had lost 50% of its coral cover since 1990."

Question 3

Passage: (1) Despite advances in renewable energy, fossil fuels still dominate global energy production. (2) Coal, oil, and natural gas account for 80% of the world's energy supply. (3) The transportation sector, in particular, remains heavily dependent on oil. (4) Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, but they make up less than 5% of all vehicles on the road. (5) Governments around the world continue to subsidize fossil fuel production.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that fossil fuels remain dominant in the energy sector?

A) Sentence 1: Despite advances in renewable energy, fossil fuels still dominate global energy production.

B) Sentence 2: Coal, oil, and natural gas account for 80% of the world's energy supply.

C) Sentence 3: The transportation sector, in particular, remains heavily dependent on oil.

D) Sentence 4: Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, but they make up less than 5% of all vehicles on the road.

✓ Answer: B

Sentence 2 provides specific data (80%) that proves fossil fuels dominate energy production. This is the strongest evidence.

📌 Evidence: "Coal, oil, and natural gas account for 80% of the world's energy supply."

Question 4

Passage: (1) The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in human history. (2) New manufacturing processes allowed for mass production of goods. (3) As a result, the standard of living in industrialized nations increased dramatically. (4) Life expectancy in Britain rose from 40 to 60 years between 1800 and 1900. (5) However, the revolution also led to severe environmental degradation.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that the Industrial Revolution improved quality of life?

A) Sentence 1: The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in human history.

B) Sentence 2: New manufacturing processes allowed for mass production of goods.

C) Sentence 3: As a result, the standard of living in industrialized nations increased dramatically.

D) Sentence 4: Life expectancy in Britain rose from 40 to 60 years between 1800 and 1900.

✓ Answer: D

Sentence 4 provides specific, measurable evidence (life expectancy increase) that proves improved quality of life.

📌 Evidence: "Life expectancy in Britain rose from 40 to 60 years between 1800 and 1900."

Question 5

Passage: (1) Regular exercise has numerous health benefits. (2) It can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. (3) Studies show that people who exercise regularly are 30% less likely to develop heart disease. (4) Exercise also improves mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. (5) A recent survey found that 75% of regular exercisers reported better sleep quality.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that exercise prevents heart disease?

A) Sentence 1: Regular exercise has numerous health benefits.

B) Sentence 2: It can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

C) Sentence 3: Studies show that people who exercise regularly are 30% less likely to develop heart disease.

D) Sentence 5: A recent survey found that 75% of regular exercisers reported better sleep quality.

✓ Answer: C

Sentence 3 directly addresses the question (heart disease) with specific data (30% less likely).

📌 Evidence: "Studies show that people who exercise regularly are 30% less likely to develop heart disease."

Question 6

Passage: (1) The use of plastic has become a global environmental crisis. (2) Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. (3) This plastic harms marine life and enters the food chain. (4) A 2019 study found microplastics in 90% of all seafood tested. (5) Many countries have implemented bans on single-use plastics in response.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that plastic pollution affects human food consumption?

A) Sentence 1: The use of plastic has become a global environmental crisis.

B) Sentence 2: Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.

C) Sentence 3: This plastic harms marine life and enters the food chain.

D) Sentence 4: A 2019 study found microplastics in 90% of all seafood tested.

✓ Answer: D

Sentence 4 directly connects plastic pollution to human consumption (seafood) with specific data (90%).

📌 Evidence: "A 2019 study found microplastics in 90% of all seafood tested."

Question 7

Passage: (1) The adoption of remote work has accelerated since 2020. (2) Many companies have reported increased productivity among remote workers. (3) A survey of 1,000 companies found that 70% plan to maintain remote work options. (4) Employees also report higher job satisfaction when working from home. (5) However, some managers express concerns about team collaboration and company culture.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that remote work is becoming a permanent feature of the workplace?

A) Sentence 1: The adoption of remote work has accelerated since 2020.

B) Sentence 2: Many companies have reported increased productivity among remote workers.

C) Sentence 3: A survey of 1,000 companies found that 70% plan to maintain remote work options.

D) Sentence 4: Employees also report higher job satisfaction when working from home.

✓ Answer: C

Sentence 3 shows concrete plans (70% of companies) that prove remote work is becoming permanent.

📌 Evidence: "A survey of 1,000 companies found that 70% plan to maintain remote work options."

Question 8

Passage: (1) The invention of the smartphone has changed the way we live. (2) We now have instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. (3) The average person checks their phone 150 times a day. (4) This constant connectivity has been linked to increased anxiety and stress. (5) Many people are now trying to reduce their screen time through digital detox programs.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that smartphones have become deeply integrated into daily life?

A) Sentence 1: The invention of the smartphone has changed the way we live.

B) Sentence 2: We now have instant access to information, communication, and entertainment.

C) Sentence 3: The average person checks their phone 150 times a day.

D) Sentence 5: Many people are now trying to reduce their screen time through digital detox programs.

✓ Answer: C

Sentence 3 provides specific data (150 times per day) that shows deep integration into daily routines.

📌 Evidence: "The average person checks their phone 150 times a day."

Question 9

Passage: (1) The decline of honey bee populations is a cause for concern. (2) Bees are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world's crops. (3) The use of pesticides has been identified as one major factor in bee decline. (4) A 2018 study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduced bee populations by 40% in treated areas. (5) The loss of bees would have a devastating impact on agriculture and global food production.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that pesticide use is harming bee populations?

A) Sentence 1: The decline of honey bee populations is a cause for concern.

B) Sentence 2: Bees are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world's crops.

C) Sentence 3: The use of pesticides has been identified as one major factor in bee decline.

D) Sentence 4: A 2018 study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduced bee populations by 40% in treated areas.

✓ Answer: D

Sentence 4 provides specific evidence linking pesticides to bee decline with quantitative data (40% reduction).

📌 Evidence: "A 2018 study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduced bee populations by 40% in treated areas."

Question 10

Passage: (1) The popularity of plant-based diets has grown significantly in recent years. (2) Many people are choosing to reduce their meat consumption for health and environmental reasons. (3) A 2021 survey found that 12% of Americans now follow a plant-based diet, up from 5% in 2015. (4) Sales of plant-based meat alternatives have increased by 45% in the past two years. (5) Critics argue that plant-based diets may not provide adequate protein for athletes.

Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that plant-based diets are becoming more popular?

A) Sentence 1: The popularity of plant-based diets has grown significantly in recent years.

B) Sentence 2: Many people are choosing to reduce their meat consumption for health and environmental reasons.

C) Sentence 3: A 2021 survey found that 12% of Americans now follow a plant-based diet, up from 5% in 2015.

D) Sentence 4: Sales of plant-based meat alternatives have increased by 45% in the past two years.

✓ Answer: C

Sentence 3 provides direct evidence of increasing popularity with specific data (12% up from 5%).

📌 Evidence: "A 2021 survey found that 12% of Americans now follow a plant-based diet, up from 5% in 2015."

🎉 WELL DONE!

You've completed all 10 textual evidence questions. You now know how to find the strongest evidence to support a claim.

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