Reading Comprehension: Analyzing Textual Evidence Flashcards

A passage reads: 'The organization spent 80% of its budget on administrative costs and only 20% on direct services.' Which claim is best supported by this evidence?

Answer: The organization prioritizes administration over direct services in its spending

The budget breakdown directly shows where spending is prioritized, without implying intent or future outcomes beyond the data.

In a Nelson-Denny passage, which strategy best helps a reader identify which sentences function as textual evidence versus which are the author's conclusions?

Answer: Identify sentences containing specific facts, statistics, or examples versus interpretive claims

Distinguishing factual details and examples from interpretive statements is the core skill for separating evidence from conclusions.

A passage argues that urban parks improve mental health and cites a study in which 'participants reported feeling less stressed after 20 minutes in a park.' This evidence directly supports which claim?

Answer: Short time in a park is associated with self-reported stress reduction

The study measures self-reported stress reduction after a specific duration, which directly matches the narrower claim about stress and short park visits.

Which of the following is an example of using textual evidence incorrectly?

Answer: Using a passage detail about one character to make a claim about all characters in the story

Overgeneralizing from a single example to a broader group misuses textual evidence by extending it beyond its actual scope.

A passage states: 'Sales dropped in January, rose in February, and dropped again in March.' Based solely on this, a reader can conclude that:

Answer: Sales fluctuated over the three-month period

The only conclusion directly supported by the three data points is that sales went up and down, i.e., fluctuated.

When analyzing a persuasive passage, a reader notices that the author only cites studies that support their argument. This is an example of:

Answer: Selective use of evidence that may present a one-sided view

Choosing only supporting evidence while ignoring contrary studies is cherry-picking, which undermines the completeness and fairness of an argument.

A passage describes a scientist who 'published over 50 peer-reviewed articles.' How does this detail function in the passage?

Answer: It establishes the scientist's credibility as an expert source

Publication volume in peer-reviewed journals is used as evidence of expertise, lending authority to the scientist's statements in the passage.