Command of evidence: the SAT reading & writing trap

Short answer: The right answer proves the claim. Just mentioning the topic isn't evidence.

The trap, in one question

Tempting answer: Bees visit many flowers in spring.  (on topic, proves nothing)

Correct answer: Bees landed on blue flowers twice as often as on yellow ones.

How to spot it in 3 seconds

The right answer proves the claim. Just mentioning the topic isn't evidence.

FAQ

What is the command of evidence trap on the SAT?

Example: Claim: bees prefer blue flowers. Which finding best supports the claim? The tempting answer is Bees visit many flowers in spring. (on topic, proves nothing); the correct answer is Bees landed on blue flowers twice as often as on yellow ones..

How do you avoid the command of evidence trap?

The right answer proves the claim. Just mentioning the topic isn't evidence.

More Reading & Writing traps

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