Command of Evidence questions state a claim and ask which finding or quotation would best support or weaken it. Restate the claim precisely, then choose the evidence that addresses that exact claim rather than the general topic.
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1Command of evidenceStandard
A student claims that adding shaded seating could encourage people to remain longer in a public plaza. Which finding would most directly support that claim?A student claims that adding shaded seating could encourage people to remain longer in a public plaza. Which finding would most directly support that claim?
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Answer: Visitors who sat in shaded areas spent more time in the plaza than visitors who sat in unshaded areas.Visitors who sat in shaded areas spent more time in the plaza than visitors who sat in unshaded areas.
This evidence compares shaded and unshaded seating directly on the outcome in the claim: how long people remain. The other facts may be true but do not test the claim.This evidence compares shaded and unshaded seating directly on the outcome in the claim: how long people remain. The other facts may be true but do not test the claim.
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2Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher argues that students remember new vocabulary better when they encounter words in several contexts. Which result would most strongly support the argument?A researcher argues that students remember new vocabulary better when they encounter words in several contexts. Which result would most strongly support the argument?
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Answer: Students who read and used new words in discussion recalled more words later than students who only copied definitions.Students who read and used new words in discussion recalled more words later than students who only copied definitions.
The result compares multiple contexts with a single-context approach and measures later recall, exactly the relationship described by the argument.The result compares multiple contexts with a single-context approach and measures later recall, exactly the relationship described by the argument.
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3Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that community repair workshops reduce the number of small appliances households throw away. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the claim?A researcher claims that community repair workshops reduce the number of small appliances households throw away. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the claim?
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Answer: Households that attended a workshop discarded fewer appliances the following year than similar households that did not attend.Households that attended a workshop discarded fewer appliances the following year than similar households that did not attend.
Support for a claim about an effect requires a comparison between households that attended and comparable ones that did not. Popularity, enjoyment, and funding say nothing about how many appliances were discarded.Support for a claim about an effect requires a comparison between households that attended and comparable ones that did not. Popularity, enjoyment, and funding say nothing about how many appliances were discarded.
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4Command of evidenceStandard
A student argues that lengthening the passing period between classes reduces lateness. Which finding, if true, would most weaken the argument?A student argues that lengthening the passing period between classes reduces lateness. Which finding, if true, would most weaken the argument?
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Answer: Schools that lengthened their passing periods reported the same rate of lateness as before the change.Schools that lengthened their passing periods reported the same rate of lateness as before the change.
The argument predicts less lateness, so evidence that lateness did not change directly opposes it. Preference, class length, and record-keeping differences do not tell us whether lateness fell.The argument predicts less lateness, so evidence that lateness did not change directly opposes it. Preference, class length, and record-keeping differences do not tell us whether lateness fell.
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5Command of evidenceStandard
An educator claims that reading aloud to children before age four improves their later vocabulary. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?An educator claims that reading aloud to children before age four improves their later vocabulary. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?
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Answer: Children read to daily before age four had larger vocabularies at age eight than otherwise similar children who were not.Children read to daily before age four had larger vocabularies at age eight than otherwise similar children who were not.
The claim is about a later outcome, so support must compare that outcome between children who were and were not read to. Parental enjoyment, book vocabulary, and the age of the recommendation measure something else.The claim is about a later outcome, so support must compare that outcome between children who were and were not read to. Parental enjoyment, book vocabulary, and the age of the recommendation measure something else.
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6Command of evidenceStandard
A student argues that later school start times improve attendance. Which finding would most weaken the argument?A student argues that later school start times improve attendance. Which finding would most weaken the argument?
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Answer: Schools that moved their start time later recorded the same attendance rate as before.Schools that moved their start time later recorded the same attendance rate as before.
The argument predicts better attendance, so evidence that attendance did not move opposes it directly. Preference, commuting, and timing leave the prediction untested.The argument predicts better attendance, so evidence that attendance did not move opposes it directly. Preference, commuting, and timing leave the prediction untested.
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7Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that captioned video helps students remember lecture content. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?A researcher claims that captioned video helps students remember lecture content. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?
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Answer: Students who watched captioned lectures scored higher on a later recall test than similar students who watched uncaptioned ones.Students who watched captioned lectures scored higher on a later recall test than similar students who watched uncaptioned ones.
A claim about memory needs a comparison of recall between captioned and uncaptioned viewing. Preference, software quality and legal requirements measure something else entirely.A claim about memory needs a comparison of recall between captioned and uncaptioned viewing. Preference, software quality and legal requirements measure something else entirely.
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8Command of evidenceStandard
A teacher argues that handing back marked work within two days improves later performance. Which finding would most strongly support the argument?A teacher argues that handing back marked work within two days improves later performance. Which finding would most strongly support the argument?
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Answer: Classes given work back within two days scored higher on later assessments than comparable classes given it back later.Classes given work back within two days scored higher on later assessments than comparable classes given it back later.
A claim about later performance needs a comparison of later performance between fast and slow return. Preference, workload and common practice measure something else.A claim about later performance needs a comparison of later performance between fast and slow return. Preference, workload and common practice measure something else.
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9Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that a town's new cycle lane increased the amount of cycling rather than simply moving existing cyclists onto it. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the claim?A researcher claims that a town's new cycle lane increased the amount of cycling rather than simply moving existing cyclists onto it. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the claim?
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Answer: Total cycling trips across the town rose by 30 percent, with no fall on other routes.Total cycling trips across the town rose by 30 percent, with no fall on other routes.
The claim is about the total, so the evidence has to be about the total. A count on the lane alone cannot separate new cyclists from moved ones, the second choice is the rival explanation rather than a refutation of it, and enjoyment says nothing about numbers.The claim is about the total, so the evidence has to be about the total. A count on the lane alone cannot separate new cyclists from moved ones, the second choice is the rival explanation rather than a refutation of it, and enjoyment says nothing about numbers.
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10Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that a bird species is arriving earlier each spring because of warming. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that claim?A researcher claims that a bird species is arriving earlier each spring because of warming. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that claim?
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Answer: Across 40 sites, arrival has moved earlier in step with local spring temperature, and moved least where temperature changed least.Across 40 sites, arrival has moved earlier in step with local spring temperature, and moved least where temperature changed least.
The claim links two changes, so the evidence has to link them too. The first two choices each establish one half and leave the connection unmade, and abundance is a different measure altogether.The claim links two changes, so the evidence has to link them too. The first two choices each establish one half and leave the connection unmade, and abundance is a different measure altogether.
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11Command of evidenceStandard
A curator argues that a portrait long attributed to a workshop was painted by the master himself. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that argument?A curator argues that a portrait long attributed to a workshop was painted by the master himself. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that argument?
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Answer: Underdrawing beneath the paint shows the freehand corrections found in the master's signed works and absent from workshop copies.Underdrawing beneath the paint shows the freehand corrections found in the master's signed works and absent from workshop copies.
Only one choice distinguishes the master from the workshop, which is what the argument needs. Oak panels, a workshop commission and a contemporary frame are all equally consistent with the attribution the curator is disputing.Only one choice distinguishes the master from the workshop, which is what the argument needs. Oak panels, a workshop commission and a contemporary frame are all equally consistent with the attribution the curator is disputing.
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12Command of evidenceStandard
A geologist argues that a boulder found on a hilltop was carried there by a glacier rather than eroded out of the hill itself. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?A geologist argues that a boulder found on a hilltop was carried there by a glacier rather than eroded out of the hill itself. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?
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Answer: The boulder is a rock type found only in outcrops 90 km to the north.The boulder is a rock type found only in outcrops 90 km to the north.
A rock that cannot have come from the hill must have arrived from somewhere else, which is exactly what the argument claims. Weight, height and weathering are all equally consistent with the boulder having eroded out in place.A rock that cannot have come from the hill must have arrived from somewhere else, which is exactly what the argument claims. Weight, height and weathering are all equally consistent with the boulder having eroded out in place.
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13Command of evidenceStandard
A linguist claims that a place name predates the Norse settlement of the area rather than dating from it. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?A linguist claims that a place name predates the Norse settlement of the area rather than dating from it. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?
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Answer: The name contains an element with no Norse cognate but a clear parallel in the earlier local language.The name contains an element with no Norse cognate but a clear parallel in the earlier local language.
Only the linguistic evidence can distinguish the two periods. A later document records the name without dating its origin, and the location and its neighbors are what the claim is arguing against.Only the linguistic evidence can distinguish the two periods. A later document records the name without dating its origin, and the location and its neighbors are what the claim is arguing against.
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14Command of evidenceStandard
A historian argues that a town's medieval wall was built for display rather than defense. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?A historian argues that a town's medieval wall was built for display rather than defense. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?
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Answer: The wall is a meter thick, is pierced by wide unbarred openings, and has no ditch.The wall is a meter thick, is pierced by wide unbarred openings, and has no ditch.
Only one finding describes a structure that could not have held anyone out, which is the claim. Extent, materials and build time are all equally consistent with a defensive wall.Only one finding describes a structure that could not have held anyone out, which is the claim. Extent, materials and build time are all equally consistent with a defensive wall.
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15Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that a fish species migrates between two lakes rather than forming two separate resident populations. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?A researcher claims that a fish species migrates between two lakes rather than forming two separate resident populations. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?
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Answer: Chemical signatures in the ear bones of adults from one lake record water from the other.Chemical signatures in the ear bones of adults from one lake record water from the other.
Ear bones lay down a record of the water a fish has lived in, so a signature from the other lake places an individual fish in both. Shared species, a passable stream and similar size are all consistent with two populations that never mix.Ear bones lay down a record of the water a fish has lived in, so a signature from the other lake places an individual fish in both. Shared species, a passable stream and similar size are all consistent with two populations that never mix.
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16Command of evidenceStandard
A researcher claims that a pottery style spread by trade rather than by migration. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?A researcher claims that a pottery style spread by trade rather than by migration. Which finding would most strongly support that claim?
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Answer: The clay in the pots is local to each site, while the decoration is uniform across all of them.The clay in the pots is local to each site, while the decoration is uniform across all of them.
Local clay means the pots were made where they were found, so what traveled was the idea rather than the potters or the pots. Rapid spread, imported goods and quality are all equally consistent with people moving.Local clay means the pots were made where they were found, so what traveled was the idea rather than the potters or the pots. Rapid spread, imported goods and quality are all equally consistent with people moving.
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17Command of evidenceStandard
A historian argues that a village school taught girls as well as boys in the 1840s, when the surviving register lists only surnames and initials. Which finding would most strongly support the argument?A historian argues that a village school taught girls as well as boys in the 1840s, when the surviving register lists only surnames and initials. Which finding would most strongly support the argument?
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Answer: The 1841 census gives full names for the households, and matching them to the register's initials yields girls.The 1841 census gives full names for the households, and matching them to the register's initials yields girls.
Only one finding turns the initials into named individuals, which is what the argument needs. Two entrances, a neighboring school's practice and the teacher's sex are all consistent with a boys-only register.Only one finding turns the initials into named individuals, which is what the argument needs. Two entrances, a neighboring school's practice and the teacher's sex are all consistent with a boys-only register.
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18Command of evidenceChallenge
A team argues that placing benches along a hospital corridor helps recovering patients walk further. Which finding, if true, would most weaken the argument?A team argues that placing benches along a hospital corridor helps recovering patients walk further. Which finding, if true, would most weaken the argument?
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Answer: Patients on corridors with benches walked the same total distance as patients on corridors without them.Patients on corridors with benches walked the same total distance as patients on corridors without them.
The argument predicts greater walking distance. A comparison showing no difference in distance opposes it directly, whereas installation timing, patient comfort, and corridor width leave the prediction untested.The argument predicts greater walking distance. A comparison showing no difference in distance opposes it directly, whereas installation timing, patient comfort, and corridor width leave the prediction untested.
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19Command of evidenceChallenge
A researcher claims that installing bird-safe glass reduces collisions at office buildings. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?A researcher claims that installing bird-safe glass reduces collisions at office buildings. Which finding would most strongly support the claim?
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Answer: Buildings that installed the glass recorded fewer collisions afterwards than comparable buildings that did not.Buildings that installed the glass recorded fewer collisions afterwards than comparable buildings that did not.
A claim about an effect needs a comparison between buildings with and without the change. Availability, professional opinion, and seasonality say nothing about whether the glass reduced anything.A claim about an effect needs a comparison between buildings with and without the change. Availability, professional opinion, and seasonality say nothing about whether the glass reduced anything.
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20Command of evidenceChallenge
A council argues that its new recycling bins increased recycling rates. Which finding would most weaken the argument?A council argues that its new recycling bins increased recycling rates. Which finding would most weaken the argument?
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Answer: A regional recycling campaign ran across all neighboring councils during the same period, and their rates rose by a similar amount.A regional recycling campaign ran across all neighboring councils during the same period, and their rates rose by a similar amount.
A comparable rise without the bins shows the bins were not needed to produce it. Cost, handling and the unit of measurement leave the causal claim untouched.A comparable rise without the bins shows the bins were not needed to produce it. Cost, handling and the unit of measurement leave the causal claim untouched.
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21Command of evidenceChallenge
A council claims its new street lighting reduced night-time collisions. Which finding would most weaken the claim?A council claims its new street lighting reduced night-time collisions. Which finding would most weaken the claim?
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Answer: Night-time traffic volume on the lit streets fell by a third over the same period.Night-time traffic volume on the lit streets fell by a third over the same period.
Fewer vehicles would produce fewer collisions whether or not the lighting helped, which supplies an alternative explanation. Running costs, brightness complaints and record-keeping leave the causal claim untouched.Fewer vehicles would produce fewer collisions whether or not the lighting helped, which supplies an alternative explanation. Running costs, brightness complaints and record-keeping leave the causal claim untouched.
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22Command of evidenceChallenge
An archaeologist argues that a coastal settlement was occupied all year rather than seasonally. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?An archaeologist argues that a coastal settlement was occupied all year rather than seasonally. Which finding would most strongly support that argument?
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Answer: Animal teeth whose growth layers cover every season of the year.Animal teeth whose growth layers cover every season of the year.
Growth layers record the season an animal died in, so teeth spanning all four seasons place people there in all four. Spring fish point to one season, local charcoal to none, and a solid building can be returned to each year without being lived in continuously.Growth layers record the season an animal died in, so teeth spanning all four seasons place people there in all four. Spring fish point to one season, local charcoal to none, and a solid building can be returned to each year without being lived in continuously.
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23Command of evidenceChallenge
A historian argues that a village's medieval market was busier than its surviving buildings would suggest. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that argument?A historian argues that a village's medieval market was busier than its surviving buildings would suggest. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support that argument?
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Answer: Coin finds from the village outnumber those from three larger neighboring settlements combined.Coin finds from the village outnumber those from three larger neighboring settlements combined.
Coins are the residue of trade, and finding more of them than in larger places is evidence of activity out of proportion to size, which is exactly the claim. A rebuilt church, a rival market and an entry in a survey are all consistent with an ordinary village.Coins are the residue of trade, and finding more of them than in larger places is evidence of activity out of proportion to size, which is exactly the claim. A rebuilt church, a rival market and an entry in a survey are all consistent with an ordinary village.
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