HSPT: Evidence: match the claim to the detail that tests it
Learn to read a claim exactly, then find the detail that supports it, the detail that challenges it, or the information that would help test it.
How do you choose the detail that best supports or challenges a claim when every choice comes from the passage?
Short answer
Say the claim exactly: who, what and when. Then choose the detail that speaks to that exact claim. A true detail that doesn't touch the claim is the most common wrong answer.
Know first: Explicit detail: finding stated facts, Inference: connecting details
Step 1 of 5
Evidence has to touch the claim
Evidence is information that shows whether a claim is true. Some questions ask which detail supports a claim. Others ask which detail challenges it, or what new information would help evaluate it.
In every case, read the claim word by word. The team scored more goals and the team scored more goals because of the new warm-up are different claims, and they need different evidence.
| The question asks | Look for | Common wrong choice |
|---|---|---|
| Which detail supports the claim? | A detail that would be true if the claim is true | A true detail about a different point |
| Which detail challenges the claim? | A detail that doesn't fit the claim, or offers another explanation | A detail that actually agrees with the claim |
| What information would help evaluate it? | Something that tests the claim's weak spot | Information on a side topic |
Step 2 of 5
Find the detail that changes the picture
A sports report
The soccer team switched to a new warm-up in October. In September the team won 2 of its 6 games; in October it won 5 of 61. Several players credited the warm-up2 for the turnaround. In October, the team's top scorer also returned3 after missing September with an injury.
- The result everyone agrees on: more wins.
- The claim: the warm-up caused the change.
- A second change in October. It offers another explanation.
Worked example: The new warm-up
Using the report above: Which detail most weakens the claim that the new warm-up caused the team's improvement?
- AThe team won 5 of 6 games in October.
- BThe team won only 2 games in September.
- CThe top scorer returned from an injury in October.
- DSeveral players said the warm-up helped.
- 1
Name the claim
The warm-up caused the jump from 2 wins to 5.
- 2
Ask what would challenge it
Another change at the same time could explain the wins.
- 3
Check the choices
C is that other change: the top scorer came back in October. That's the answer.
- 4
See why the other choices are there
A and B describe the improvement, which fits the claim. D repeats the claim; players believing it doesn't test it.
Answer
C. The top scorer returned from an injury in October.
Wrong: This detail is in the passage, so it's evidence for the claim.
Right: This detail is in the passage and speaks to the exact claim being tested.
Every choice may be accurate. Only the one about the right who, what and when counts as evidence.
Step 3 of 5
Support, challenge, evaluate
Check yourself · Question 1
Ellie claims her plant grows better near the kitchen window. She moved it there in April. By June it had four new leaves, after growing none during the winter months in the hallway. The hallway has no windows.
Which detail best supports Ellie's claim?
Answer: A
The claim compares growth in two places. A gives the comparison: new leaves near the window, none in the hallway.
Trap answer: The kitchen has a window.
True but beside the point
- Why it looks right
- The claim mentions the window, so a detail about the window feels connected.
- Why it's wrong
- The claim is about growth. A fact about the room doesn't show any growth at all.
- The right answer
- The leaf comparison, which is the only detail that measures growth in both places.
Check yourself · Question 2
A class wants to know whether a new hand dryer is faster than paper towels. On Monday, ten students dried their hands with towels and took an average of 12 seconds. On Tuesday, ten different students used the dryer and took an average of 9 seconds. The class concluded that the dryer is faster.
Which information would most help evaluate the class's conclusion?
Answer: D
Different students tested each method, so the students themselves could explain the gap. Timing the same students both ways tests the claim's weak spot.
Common mistake
Choosing any detail that mentions a word from the claim.
- Why it's tempting
- A choice that repeats the claim's words looks connected.
- Do this instead
- Ask whether the detail would change your mind about the claim. If it wouldn't, it isn't the evidence the question wants.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Read the claim exactly: who, what and when.
- Supporting evidence fits the claim, challenging evidence doesn't fit it or offers another explanation.
- True details that don't touch the claim are the most common wrong answers.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
In the practice question, what was the exact claim, and why does the detail you chose speak to it while the others don't?