SAT Writing and Language: Command of Evidence 🧠

The SAT Writing and Language section is designed to assess your ability to improve passages by recognizing and correcting errors, as well as enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of the writing. Among the various types of questions, Command of Evidence stands out as one of the most critical and challenging categories. This type of question requires you to make informed decisions about which details to include, remove, or modify to create a coherent and compelling argument.

Command of Evidence questions are unique because they go beyond basic grammar and punctuation. They demand a deeper understanding of how information is structured and presented to support the main idea of a passage. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Command of Evidence questions you’ll encounter on the SAT Writing and Language section, provide detailed strategies for tackling them, and offer tips to help you excel in this area.

What Is Command of Evidence?

The Concept of Command of Evidence

Command of Evidence questions are all about making strategic decisions to improve the effectiveness of a passage. These questions test your ability to evaluate how well the information presented supports the author’s argument or main idea. You’ll need to decide whether specific details should be added, removed, or rearranged to enhance the clarity, focus, and persuasiveness of the passage.

Unlike more straightforward grammar questions, Command of Evidence questions require critical thinking and an understanding of the passage as a whole. These questions are less about technical knowledge and more about your ability to analyze and improve the structure and content of the text.

Why Command of Evidence Is Challenging

Command of Evidence can be more challenging than other question types because it requires a holistic approach to reading and revising. You need to understand not only the meaning of individual sentences but also how they contribute to the overall argument or narrative. Additionally, these questions often involve interpreting data from graphs, charts, or tables, making them more complex and time-consuming.

To excel in Command of Evidence, you must be able to think critically about the purpose of each sentence and paragraph in a passage, as well as how the passage fits together as a cohesive whole. This requires a strong understanding of both the content and the structure of the passage.

Types of Command of Evidence Questions

Command of Evidence questions can be divided into two main types: those that involve interpreting data presented in informational graphics and those that focus on improving a passage’s structure, support, and focus. Let’s explore each type in detail.

1. Interpreting Data Presented in Informational Graphics

Overview of This Question Type

Some passages on the SAT Writing and Language section are accompanied by informational graphics, such as charts, graphs, or tables. Command of Evidence questions related to these graphics require you to analyze the data presented and determine how it should be integrated into the passage. You might be asked to identify specific data points, interpret trends, or draw conclusions based on the information provided.

These questions are not included in every passage, but when they do appear, they test your ability to connect the visual data with the written text. You’ll need to ensure that the information presented in the passage accurately reflects and supports the data in the graphic.

Strategies for Interpreting Data

•Understand the Central Idea: Before you even look at the graphic, make sure you understand the central idea of the passage. Knowing the main argument or purpose of the passage will help you determine how the data should be used to support it.

•Analyze the Graphic: Carefully examine the graphic, noting the type of data it presents, the units of measurement, and any trends or relationships between variables. Consider how this data relates to the passage and how it might support or contradict the information provided.

•Identify the Evidence: Determine what type of evidence the question is asking for. Are you being asked to identify specific data points, interpret a trend, or draw a conclusion? Focus on finding the data that best supports the argument or claim made in the passage.

•Avoid Irrelevant Details: Be careful not to include data that doesn’t contribute to the argument. Just because a number or trend is present in the graphic doesn’t mean it’s relevant to the passage. Focus on selecting the information that directly supports the main idea.

Sample Question: Interpreting Data

Example Passage Excerpt:

“Recent studies have shown a shift in the popularity of various social media platforms among teenagers. The bar graph below displays the percentage of teenagers who reported using four major social media platforms in 2022 and 2023.”

Question: Based on the data presented in the bar graph, which of the following statements is supported by the evidence?

A) In 2023, Instagram was the most popular social media platform among teenagers, surpassing all other platforms in usage percentage.

B) The percentage of teenagers using Snapchat decreased from 2022 to 2023, while the usage of Facebook remained relatively constant.

C) Among teenagers, the usage of Twitter experienced a significant increase from 2022 to 2023, making it the second most popular platform in 2023.

D) Overall, the total percentage of teenagers using social media platforms decreased from 2022 to 2023.

Analysis:

To answer this question, you need to carefully examine the bar graph and compare the usage percentages of the social media platforms in 2022 and 2023. The correct answer is B, as the data shows a decrease in Snapchat usage and relatively constant usage of Facebook. This answer is supported by the evidence in the graph, whereas the other options are either incorrect or unsupported by the data.

2. Improving a Passage’s Structure, Support, and Focus

Overview of This Question Type

The more common type of Command of Evidence question involves improving the structure, support, and focus of a passage. These questions test your ability to revise the passage to make the writer’s overall argument or message clearer and more compelling. You may be asked to reorder sentences, add or delete information, or refine the focus of the passage.

These questions require you to have a strong understanding of the passage’s main idea and purpose. You’ll need to identify any areas where the writing is unclear, redundant, or off-topic, and make revisions to improve the coherence and effectiveness of the passage.

Strategies for Improving Structure, Support, and Focus

•Read the Entire Passage: Before attempting to revise the passage, read it in its entirety to gain a clear understanding of the main idea and the author’s purpose. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement.

•Identify Awkward or Redundant Sections: As you read, pay attention to any sections that feel awkward, redundant, or out of place. These are likely areas where the passage could be improved through revision.

•Focus on the Question: When you reach the question, carefully read it to understand what it’s asking you to do. Are you being asked to add, delete, or reorganize information? Make sure you’re addressing the specific issue identified in the question.

•Consider the Flow of Ideas: Think about how the sentences and paragraphs are arranged. Do they flow logically from one idea to the next? If not, consider how you might reorder them to create a more coherent and persuasive argument.

•Eliminate Irrelevant Information: If the question asks you to delete information, consider whether the sentence or paragraph in question adds value to the passage. If it doesn’t contribute to the main idea or if it’s redundant, it’s likely best to remove it.

Sample Question: Improving Structure, Support, and Focus

Example Passage Excerpt:

(1) Climate change is a significant issue that impacts all life on Earth. (2) The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming. (3) Rising temperatures result in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. (4) These changes threaten wildlife and biodiversity and have serious implications for human communities, including food and water shortages, forced migration, and increased health risks.

Question: The writer wants to add a specific example to support the statement in Sentence 3. Which of the following would best accomplish this?

A) “Scientists predict that by 2050, the Arctic could be completely ice-free during the summer months, resulting in habitat loss for polar bears and other Arctic species.”

B) “Climate change is a complex issue that requires global cooperation and immediate action from governments and industries.”

C) “The industrial revolution of the 18th century marked the beginning of significant greenhouse gas emissions.”

D) “It is essential for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.”

Analysis:

The correct answer is A, as it provides a specific example that directly supports the statement in Sentence 3 about the effects of rising temperatures on ecosystems. The other options, while relevant to the broader topic of climate change, do not specifically support the statement about rising temperatures leading to disruptions in ecosystems.

General Strategies for Command of Evidence Questions

To master Command of Evidence questions, you need to apply specific strategies that help you analyze and improve the passages effectively. Here are some general tips that will help you succeed:

1. Understand the Passage’s Purpose

Before making any revisions, it’s essential to understand the overall purpose of the passage. Ask yourself: What is the main argument or message the author is trying to convey? Understanding the purpose will guide your decisions about which details to include, remove, or modify.

2. Focus on Clarity and Coherence

Your primary goal in Command of Evidence questions is to improve the clarity and coherence of the passage. This means ensuring that each sentence and paragraph logically contributes to the main argument. If a sentence feels out of place or redundant, it’s likely an area that needs revision.

3. Be Mindful of the Passage’s Tone and Style

When revising a passage,

it’s important to maintain a consistent tone and style. If the passage has a formal tone, make sure your revisions match that tone. Similarly, avoid introducing casual language or slang in a passage that is otherwise formal and academic.

4. Use Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure of the correct answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Eliminate any choices that don’t align with the main idea of the passage or that introduce irrelevant or incorrect information. This strategy increases your chances of selecting the correct answer.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to improve your skills in Command of Evidence is through consistent practice. Work through practice questions and passages, focusing on identifying areas for improvement and making effective revisions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to tackle these questions on the SAT.

Conclusion: Mastering Command of Evidence for SAT Success

Command of Evidence is a critical component of the SAT Writing and Language section, requiring a deep understanding of how to structure and support an argument effectively. By mastering the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle these challenging questions and improve your overall SAT score.

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