Command of Evidence: The Basics

Evidence is proof. It is the fact, number, quote, or example that backs up a claim. A claim is something someone says is true; evidence is what makes you believe it.

The SAT asks one question in many outfits: which choice best supports the claim? Good evidence does two things. First, it is about the same thing as the claim — that is what relevant means. If the claim is about cost, a fact about color does nothing, no matter how interesting. Second, it actually settles the point instead of landing somewhere nearby.

A useful habit: underline the claim, then finish this sentence before reading the choices — "To believe this, I would need to see ______." Then cross out any choice that is about the wrong subject.

Some evidence is stronger than other evidence. Measured data, study results, and direct quotes from the text are strong. One person's story or an emotional appeal with no facts behind it is weak. And if a graph appears, read the title, axis labels, and units before the bars.