SAT Command of Evidence (Textual)
Choose the quotation or finding that most directly supports, illustrates or weakens a claim.
Also known as: support the claim questions, which quotation, which finding would support.
Key ideas
- Pin down the exact claim, including any qualifiers.
- Supporting evidence must connect to the specific claim, not just the general topic.
- For "which finding would weaken", choose the result the claim predicts would not happen.
Claims and evidence
Underline the claim in the question. Then test each choice: If this were true, would the claim be more likely? A choice can be true and on-topic yet irrelevant to the specific claim.
Quotation questions
For literary texts, you'll be asked which quotation best illustrates a claim about a character or theme. Find the quotation that shows exactly the trait described, not a related one.
Worked examples
Example 1 · Hypothetical support
Claim: a bird uses Earth's magnetic field to navigate. Which finding would support this?
- Step 1.The claim predicts disruption if the magnetic field is altered.
Answer: Birds near magnets that distort the field flew in the wrong direction.
Example 2 · Weakening a claim
Claim: a drug improves memory. Which finding would weaken it?
- Step 1.A randomized group taking the drug showed no difference from a placebo group.
Answer: No memory difference between drug and placebo groups.
Common mistakes
- Choosing evidence about the right topic but the wrong claim.
- Ignoring qualifiers such as "only", "most" or "some".
- Supporting the opposite of the claim.
Try it yourself
Original practice questions. Your answer is checked instantly.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the biologist's hypothesis?
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the teacher's claim?