What is textual evidence and how do you use it to support an answer?

• A. Textual evidence is quotes or paraphrase from the text used to support a claim.
• B. Textual evidence is the author's biography used to support a claim.
• C. Textual evidence is charts and graphs not from the text used to support a claim.
• D. Textual evidence is the audience's reactions to the text.

Answer: (A)

Textual evidence means using quotes or paraphrases from the text to support a claim. To use it, pick a specific part of the text that directly backs the point you’re making, present that exact wording or a brief restatement in your answer, and then explain how it supports your argument and what it shows about the text. Make sure the evidence is accurate and clearly tied to the point you’re making, and connect the quote or paraphrase to your claim with analysis that shows why it matters.

The other options don’t fit because they rely on information outside the text or on reactions rather than the text itself. A claim should be supported by words or details from the text, not by an author’s life, external charts not drawn from the text, or readers’ responses. This approach helps you ground your answer in the text and demonstrate how the evidence actually supports your reasoning.