Language Arts: Citing Text Evidence Worksheet

Question 1

Read this sentence from a story: 'Mina pulled her hood tight and checked the map again before stepping into the dark forest path.' What evidence in the sentence shows that Mina may be feeling nervous? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The evidence that Mina may be feeling nervous is that she 'pulled her hood tight' and 'checked the map again' before entering the forest. These actions show caution and uncertainty, which suggest she is not fully confident.

Question 2

Read this sentence from an article: 'The city added more bike lanes downtown, and within six months the number of bicycle commuters rose by 18 percent.' What detail from the sentence is the strongest evidence that the new bike lanes affected commuting habits?

Accepted Answer

The strongest evidence is that 'within six months the number of bicycle commuters rose by 18 percent.' This detail shows a clear change in commuting habits after the bike lanes were added.

Question 3

A student writes this claim: 'Jordan is a responsible character.' Read the sentence: 'Before leaving for school, Jordan fed the dog, packed his lunch, and left a note reminding his sister about her dentist appointment.' Which details best support the claim, and why?

Accepted Answer

The details that best support the claim are that Jordan fed the dog, packed his lunch, and left a reminder note for his sister. These actions show that he takes care of his responsibilities and thinks ahead.

Question 4

Read this line from a memoir: 'Even after three failed attempts, my father smiled, adjusted the kite string, and told me we would try again.' What is the best inference about the father, and what evidence supports it?

Accepted Answer

The best inference is that the father is patient and encouraging. The evidence is that he smiled after three failed attempts, adjusted the kite string, and said they would try again instead of giving up.

Question 5

Read this sentence: 'The classroom fell silent when Ms. Chen placed the sealed envelope on the desk and said, "The results are in."' What evidence creates suspense in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence that creates suspense is the classroom becoming silent, the sealed envelope on the desk, and Ms. Chen saying, 'The results are in.' These details make the moment feel tense and important because the reader expects something significant to happen next.

Question 6

A reader says, 'The author shows that the setting is harsh.' Read the sentence: 'Dust curled through the broken windows, and the dry wind scraped across the empty field.' Which words or phrases are the best text evidence for that idea?

Accepted Answer

The best text evidence is 'dust curled through the broken windows' and 'the dry wind scraped across the empty field.' These phrases describe uncomfortable and severe conditions, which make the setting seem harsh.

Question 7

Read these lines from a speech: 'We cannot wait for someone else to solve this problem. Each of us must take one small step today.' What is the speaker's message, and which words best support it?

Accepted Answer

The speaker's message is that everyone should take personal responsibility and act now. The words that best support this message are 'We cannot wait for someone else' and 'Each of us must take one small step today.'

Question 8

Read this sentence from a historical article: 'Letters from soldiers often described muddy trenches, little sleep, and constant shelling.' How do these details help the reader understand the soldiers' experience?

Accepted Answer

These details help the reader understand that the soldiers lived in exhausting and dangerous conditions. The muddy trenches, little sleep, and constant shelling show that daily life was uncomfortable, stressful, and unsafe.

Question 9

A student answers a question about theme by writing, 'The theme is teamwork.' Read the passage detail: 'When the power went out, neighbors shared flashlights, cooked meals together, and checked on older residents.' Explain how this detail supports the student's answer.

Accepted Answer

This detail supports the theme of teamwork because the neighbors worked together to solve problems during the power outage. Sharing flashlights, cooking meals together, and checking on others show cooperation and mutual support.

Question 10

Read this sentence: 'Lena crossed out the first paragraph, stared at the blinking cursor, and began again with a deep breath.' What evidence suggests that Lena is struggling but determined?

Accepted Answer

The evidence that Lena is struggling is that she crossed out the first paragraph and stared at the blinking cursor. The evidence that she is determined is that she began again with a deep breath instead of quitting.

Question 11

Which quotation best supports the claim that a character feels isolated? Choose the stronger evidence and explain why. Option A: 'Sam sat by the window during lunch, tracing shapes in the fogged glass.' Option B: 'Sam laughed with the team as they walked to practice.'

Accepted Answer

Option A is the stronger evidence because sitting alone by the window during lunch suggests separation from others. Option B shows Sam with a group and does not support the idea that he feels isolated.

Question 12

Read this short passage: 'The garden had once been full of roses, but now weeds climbed the fence and petals lay brown on the ground. Maria knelt anyway, pressing seeds into the soil with careful hands.' What evidence shows both loss and hope in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The evidence of loss is that weeds climbed the fence and petals lay brown on the ground, which shows the garden has declined. The evidence of hope is that Maria knelt and pressed seeds into the soil with careful hands, showing that she believes new growth is possible.

Language Arts: Citing Text Evidence

Language Arts: Citing Text Evidence

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