Here is an Example
Here’s an example of an “evidence or proof” type question for the SAT reading section, along with a sample passage and a step-by-step explanation of the correct and incorrect answers:
In the novel “Journey of Resilience,” the protagonist, Maya, faces numerous challenges on her path to success. Despite facing setbacks and obstacles, Maya’s unwavering determination becomes a driving force throughout the story. From the beginning, Maya’s inner voice pushes her to persevere, whispering, “No matter what it takes, I will reach my goals.” This resolute mindset propels Maya to take on difficult tasks, whether it’s studying for hours or seeking mentorship. As the plot unfolds, Maya’s determination is evident in her relentless pursuit of her dreams. When faced with a major setback, Maya reflects, “I refuse to let this defeat define me. I will find a way to overcome it.” Her unwavering spirit fuels her actions, propelling the plot forward as she navigates through challenges, learns valuable lessons, and ultimately achieves her goals.
Which sentence provides the best evidence for the claim that the protagonist’s determination drives the plot forward?
A) “Maya faces numerous challenges on her path to success.”
B) “From the beginning, Maya’s inner voice pushes her to persevere.”
C) “When faced with a major setback, Maya reflects…”
D) “Her unwavering spirit fuels her actions…”
Now, let’s break down the steps to find the correct answer:
Step 1: Analyze the Passage
In this step, we need to understand the main idea and purpose of the passage. The passage discusses the protagonist’s unwavering determination and how it drives the plot forward. The question asks us to find the sentence that provides the best evidence for this claim.
Step 2: Eliminate Incorrect Answers
Let’s evaluate each answer choice and eliminate the ones that do not provide strong evidence for the claim.
A) “Maya faces numerous challenges on her path to success.”
This sentence describes the challenges Maya faces but does not directly provide evidence of her determination driving the plot forward. Keep it as a possible choice for now.
B) “From the beginning, Maya’s inner voice pushes her to persevere.”
This sentence directly supports the claim by showing that Maya’s inner voice drives her determination. It is a strong contender for the correct answer.
C) “When faced with a major setback, Maya reflects…”
This sentence mentions a major setback but does not directly provide evidence of Maya’s determination driving the plot forward. Eliminate it as an incorrect choice.
D) “Her unwavering spirit fuels her actions…”
This sentence directly supports the claim by stating that Maya’s unwavering spirit drives her actions. It is another strong contender for the correct answer.
Step 3: Identify the Correct Answer
Between answer choices B and D, both sentences provide evidence for the claim that Maya’s determination drives the plot forward. However, answer choice B directly mentions Maya’s inner voice pushing her to persevere, which more explicitly aligns with the claim. Therefore, the correct answer is B) “From the beginning, Maya’s inner voice pushes her to persevere.”