Recap
Select evidence that is relevant (bears on the claim) and sufficient (enough, of good quality, to support the line of reasoning). Use it strategically: to illustrate, clarify, exemplify, associate, amplify or qualify. Evidence is effective when commentary explains its logical relationship to the claim. Grammar and mechanics that follow conventions make your interpretation clear.
Key relationships
| Idea | What it means | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant | Bears on this claim | Can I explain the link briefly? |
| Sufficient | Enough, in quantity and quality | Two or three varied details with commentary? |
| Illustrate | Shows the claim at work | Does it display the idea? |
| Clarify | Makes a point precise | Does it define a term? |
| Exemplify | Gives an example of a pattern | Is it representative? |
| Associate | Links two ideas | Does it connect them? |
| Amplify | Builds on a point | Does it raise the stakes? |
| Qualify | Limits or complicates | Does it refine the claim? |
What you may assume
- Evidence can be a short phrase, a detail or a stage direction.
- A relevant detail that complicates your claim can strengthen it.
- Editing for clarity does not change your ideas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Quoting everything that seems related.
- Choosing evidence of only one kind.
- Leaving quotations without commentary.
- Ignoring comma splices, agreement and tense errors.
- Changing the wording of a quotation.
Key terms
- Relevant: bears directly on this claim.
- Sufficient: enough, in quantity and quality, to support the line of reasoning.
- Purposes of evidence: illustrate, clarify, exemplify, associate, amplify, qualify.
- Mechanics: punctuation, agreement and tense that let the reader follow.
Sentence frames
- “[Evidence] illustrates / clarifies / qualifies the claim because ….”
- “Although …, the detail ‘…’ shows ….”
- Edit check: one idea per sentence, a comma plus “and” or “but” between clauses, the present tense.
Mini-example
Claim: Lady Macbeth redefines courage. Illustrate: “Art thou afeard / To be the same in thine own act and valour / As thou art in desire?” Qualify: Macbeth’s “Who dares do more is none”.
How questions ask about this
- “Which detail is the most relevant evidence for the claim?”: choose the detail that bears directly on it.
- “The purpose of this evidence is to …”: choose among illustrate, clarify, exemplify, associate, amplify or qualify.
- “Which sentence integrates the quotation correctly?”: check exactness, grammar and punctuation.
- Constructed response: select two or three varied details, name each purpose and explain the link; edit for errors.
Quick self-check
- Name the six purposes of evidence.
- Why is “He has almost supp’d” not relevant to a claim about courage?
- Correct: “Its a small detail, it matter.”
Answers.
- Illustrate, clarify, exemplify, associate, amplify, qualify.
- It concerns the dinner and has no bearing on courage.
- “It is a small detail, but it matters.”
Full explanations are in the study guide. Try the practice questions next.