Bluebook SAT Test Command of Evidence Textual 2

Question 1

A student claims that a passage supports the idea that regular exercise improves academic performance. Which quotation would provide the strongest evidence?

Accepted Answer

'Students who participated in daily 30-minute aerobic exercise sessions showed a 17% improvement in standardized test scores compared to sedentary peers.'

Answer

'Exercise has been recommended by health organizations worldwide as essential for physical wellbeing.'

Answer

'Schools across the country have cut physical education programs to increase instructional time.'

Answer

'The relationship between physical fitness and academic outcomes is a growing area of research interest.'

Question 2

Read this passage: 'Many historians credit the introduction of the stirrup to Europe as a key factor in the development of feudalism. By allowing heavily armored knights to fight effectively on horseback, the stirrup made cavalry dominant in warfare. Lords who could equip knights gained military superiority, which was then reflected in the political and economic structures of medieval society.' A student wants to argue that military technology shaped social organization. Which evidence from the passage best supports this?

Accepted Answer

'Lords who could equip knights gained military superiority, which was then reflected in the political and economic structures of medieval society'

Answer

'Many historians credit the introduction of the stirrup to Europe'

Answer

'By allowing heavily armored knights to fight effectively on horseback'

Answer

'the stirrup made cavalry dominant in warfare'

Question 3

A student argues: 'The narrator of this story feels out of place in the new school.' The story includes these sentences: (1) 'She memorized every face in the cafeteria but ate alone.' (2) 'She answered questions correctly but watched to see if anyone noticed.' (3) 'Her old school had been smaller, warmer.' (4) 'She counted the days on her phone calendar.' Which sentence provides the strongest evidence?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 1

Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 3

Answer

Sentence 4

Question 4

A passage about renewable energy includes these four sentences: (1) 'Solar energy costs have fallen 89% over the past decade.' (2) 'Wind power generated 10% of U.S. electricity in 2022.' (3) 'Fossil fuel companies have lobbied against renewable subsidies.' (4) 'Battery storage technology has improved significantly in recent years.' A student claims: 'Renewable energy is becoming increasingly economically competitive.' Which sentence best supports this claim?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 1

Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 3

Answer

Sentence 4

Question 5

Read this passage: 'The novel's protagonist, James, often describes natural settings in elaborate detail when he is anxious, and uses clipped, minimal description when he is confident. When he enters the courtroom for his verdict, the author writes: The wood of the bench was smooth, almost warm.'  A student argues: 'James is confident when he enters the courtroom.' Does this textual evidence support, contradict, or neither clearly support nor contradict this argument?

Accepted Answer

The evidence contradicts the argument, because elaborate sensory detail in the established pattern suggests anxiety, not confidence

Answer

The evidence clearly supports the argument, as James notices sensory details

Answer

The evidence neither supports nor contradicts the argument, as bench temperature is unrelated to confidence

Answer

The evidence supports the argument because James describes the bench warmly and positively

Question 6

A student is writing an essay arguing that the character Mrs. Chen respects hard work above all other virtues. The story includes these moments: (1) She praises her son's C+ earned through effort over his sister's A earned with little study. (2) She donates to charity every month. (3) She stays late at work even when no supervisor is present. (4) She tells her neighbor that 'a good reputation is earned, not given.' Which provides the best evidence for the student's argument?

Accepted Answer

Moment 1

Answer

Moment 2

Answer

Moment 3

Answer

Moment 4

Question 7

A passage reads: 'Between 1950 and 2000, the average American home size increased from 983 square feet to 2,266 square feet, while average household size decreased from 3.67 to 2.62 people.' A student argues: 'Americans' expectations for personal living space have grown dramatically.' Which aspect of this evidence most directly supports the claim?

Accepted Answer

Home size more than doubled while the number of people per home decreased

Answer

The time span covers fifty years of American housing history

Answer

Household size decreased by more than one person over the period

Answer

The data comes from reliable national census records

Question 8

A student claims that in a passage, the author uses the word 'merely' strategically to minimize the opposing argument. The passage reads: 'Critics of the policy argue it would reduce emissions by 3%. While this is not insignificant, it represents merely a fraction of the reductions scientists say are necessary to avert catastrophic warming.' How does 'merely' function as textual evidence for the student's interpretation?

Accepted Answer

'Merely' functions as a qualifier that diminishes the 3% figure by implying it is inadequate relative to what is needed

Answer

'Merely' is a neutral descriptor indicating an exact percentage reduction

Answer

'Merely' suggests the author agrees completely with the critics' position

Answer

'Merely' indicates the author believes the policy has no meaningful impact at all