Week 1: Week 1 — Citing Strong Textual Evidence

1. Every reading answer on MCAP ELA 10 has to be backed by the text. Your memory, opinion, or outside knowledge does not earn points; the words on the page do.
2. Strong evidence is specific. It names the exact detail, action, number, or line that proves the point, instead of a general statement that could fit many answers.
3. Strong evidence is relevant. A quotation can be true and interesting and still fail if it does not prove the particular claim the question asks about.
4. Strong evidence is sufficient. Sometimes one sentence proves only half of a claim; look for the line that covers the whole idea, not just one part of it.
5. Some questions ask about what a text says explicitly, meaning directly on the page. Others ask for an inference, a logical conclusion you build from clues the author gives you.
6. When you make an inference, you still need evidence. Ask yourself which exact words led you to the conclusion, then choose or quote those words.
7. On two-part evidence questions, answer Part A first, then reread every Part B choice and ask: does this line prove my Part A answer, or does it only mention the same topic?
8. In your own writing, introduce a quotation, quote it accurately, and then explain in your own words how it proves your point. A quotation never speaks for itself.

Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.

Ask at home: When someone tells you something surprising, what kind of proof do you need before you believe it?

En español: Cuando alguien te cuenta algo sorprendente, ¿qué tipo de prueba necesitas antes de creerlo?