# Command of Evidence on the SAT: Examples & Practice | 1600.now Source: https://1600.now/sat-skill/command-of-evidence --- Reading & Writing · Information and Ideas ## Command of Evidence Identify the claim before selecting evidence. The best evidence must support or weaken that exact claim, with the right comparison and direction; a fact about the same topic is not enough. Written by [Luke Finigan](https://1600.now/about) 2 min read Updated Oct 2, 2026 ### State the claim in testable terms Suppose a researcher claims a coating reduces metal corrosion. Evidence comparing coated and uncoated metal under the same conditions directly tests that claim. Evidence that the coating is inexpensive may matter commercially, but does not support reduced corrosion. Write the predicted difference: coated samples should corrode less. For a weakening question, look for evidence that undermines that difference or reveals a competing explanation. ### Match evidence to the comparison Imagine coated samples lose 2 grams and uncoated samples lose 7 grams during the same exposure. That difference supports the coating claim. If coated samples lose 2 grams in dry air and uncoated samples lose 7 grams in salt water, the environments differ as well as the treatment. The second comparison leaves an alternative explanation. Read conditions, groups, and timing rather than selecting the most dramatic numerical contrast. ### Read graph labels before evaluating a statement A chart might report percentages rather than counts, or changes rather than final values. If Group A rises from 10 to 20 while Group B rises from 30 to 35, A has the larger increase but B still has the larger final value. Compare the exact quantities named in the choice. Check units, legend, and relevant points before interpreting a pattern. Evidence about one subgroup cannot automatically support a claim about all groups. ### Use textual evidence for the specified trait or claim If a character is described as cautious, a quotation showing that the character checks a bridge before crossing supports that trait. A quotation showing that the character owns a map may be consistent with caution but is less direct. After a miss, write a "because" sentence joining the evidence to the claim. If that link requires adding an unstated assumption, the evidence may not do the job the stem requests. ### Check your understanding Try it yourself A claim says a fertilizer increases plant height. Which comparison most directly supports it? A Fertilized plants cost more. B Fertilized and unfertilized plants get equal light and water; fertilized plants grow taller. C Fertilized plants are kept outdoors and other plants in a dark room. D The fertilizer package is green. ### Sample command of evidence questions Command of Evidence · Easy A conservation report gives the number of nesting pairs recorded in four wetlands: Wetland A, 18; Wetland B, 31; Wetland C, 27; Wetland D, 22. Which statement is supported by the data? A Wetland A had 13 more nesting pairs than Wetland B. B Wetland B had 4 more nesting pairs than Wetland C. C Wetland D had 9 more nesting pairs than Wetland B. D Wetland C had 5 fewer nesting pairs than Wetland A. - [Open the question and explanation](https://1600.now/bank/reading/252b266f) Command of Evidence · Easy Which quotation from *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* most effectively illustrates the claim? *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* is a 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum. In the novel, the narrator describes a character's house as having become very faded in appearance over time: ______ A "Once more [Dorothy and her companions] could see fences built beside the road; but these were painted green, and when they came to a small house, in which a farmer evidently lived, that also was painted green." B "Then [Dorothy] went back to the house, and having helped herself and Toto to a good drink of the cool, clear water, she set about making ready for the journey to the City of Emeralds." C "Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else." D "When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country." - [Open the question and explanation](https://1600.now/bank/reading/991b728e) Command of Evidence · Easy While studying water use in greenhouse farming, a student compares two irrigation schedules applied to identical tomato beds. The student concludes that the North schedule conserved water without substantially reducing the crop yield. Which finding best supports this conclusion? A North-schedule beds produced 42 kilograms of tomatoes using 18 liters of water, whereas South-schedule beds produced 43 kilograms using 27 liters. B South-schedule beds produced 43 kilograms of tomatoes. C North-schedule beds received 18 liters of water. D The greenhouse contained identical tomato beds for both schedules. - [Open the question and explanation](https://1600.now/bank/reading/21612a9e) ### Practice this skill 1. Translate the claim into a predicted observation. 2. Check group, condition, direction, and units in each evidence choice. 3. Explain why the selected evidence bears directly on the claim. [Practice command of evidence](https://1600.now/bank/reading/skill/Command%20of%20Evidence) [Print the command of evidence worksheet and worked answers](https://1600.now/sat-command-of-evidence-worksheet). Then use a [mixed practice module](https://1600.now/modules) to check whether you can choose this method among other question types. ### Source and question labels The bank label for this guide is "Command of Evidence" in Information and Ideas. The worked examples above are written for this guide. - [College Board: Reading and Writing content domains](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/whats-on-the-test/reading-writing) ### Related skills - **[Evaluating Statistical Claims](https://1600.now/sat-skill/evaluating-statistical-claims)** Check two separate permissions: random sampling supports generalizing to a population, while random assignment in a well-designed experiment supports a causal comparison. - **[Two-Variable Data: Models and Scatterplots](https://1600.now/sat-skill/two-variable-data)** A scatterplot compares paired variables. - **[Inferences](https://1600.now/sat-skill/inference)** Combine the text's facts into the smallest conclusion they support.