How can you determine the best evidence to quote to support a claim in a short written response?

How can you determine the best evidence to quote to support a claim in a short written response?

• A. Quote the longest line you can find.
• B. Select lines that clearly state or illustrate the claim and explain their relevance.
• C. Quote lines that are unrelated to the claim.
• D. Quote only paraphrase; do not quote lines.

Answer: (B)

Pick evidence by looking for lines that directly state or clearly illustrate the claim you’re making, and then explain why those lines matter. This approach shows a concrete connection between your argument and the text, making your response more persuasive. Quoting a line helps readers see exactly where the support comes from and lets you describe how the language or details back your point. It’s not about the longest line or about random quotes; it’s about relevance and clarity. Avoid lines that don’t relate to your claim, and don’t rely only on paraphrase—brief quotes with explanation give strong, explicit support.

Pick evidence by looking for lines that directly state or clearly illustrate the claim you’re making, and then explain why those lines matter. This approach shows a concrete connection between your argument and the text, making your response more persuasive. Quoting a line helps readers see exactly where the support comes from and lets you describe how the language or details back your point. It’s not about the longest line or about random quotes; it’s about relevance and clarity. Avoid lines that don’t relate to your claim, and don’t rely only on paraphrase—brief quotes with explanation give strong, explicit support.