Supporting Evidence
Help Questions
SSAT Upper Level: Reading › Supporting Evidence
Identify the evidence that most effectively corroborates the thesis that tutoring programs narrow math achievement gaps.
Tutors described sessions as “energizing,” highlighting enthusiasm rather than comparative learning outcomes.
The school extended library hours, a concurrent change not shown to affect math gaps specifically.
The report asserted that “practice helps everyone,” a generalization lacking quantified gap reduction evidence.
Participants gained 0.28 SD in math versus 0.07 SD for nonparticipants (DOE, 2022).
Explanation
This question tests SSAT Upper Level reading skills: identifying evidence that supports a conclusion. The key concept is understanding how specific pieces of evidence can directly support or refute a conclusion based on logical reasoning. This involves critical reading and analytical skills to discern relevant from irrelevant information. In the passage, the thesis that tutoring programs narrow math achievement gaps is corroborated by data showing participants gained 0.28 SD versus 0.07 SD for nonparticipants, which illustrates a substantial differential improvement. Choice A is correct because it directly compares learning gains between program participants and nonparticipants using standard deviation measures, providing quantitative evidence from a credible source (DOE, 2022). Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on tutor enthusiasm rather than student outcomes, leading to a common misconception where students might confuse program engagement with measurable achievement. To help students, teach them to identify key phrases that signal comparative gains, such as standard deviation differences and participant versus nonparticipant comparisons. Encourage practice with understanding effect sizes and achievement gap metrics. Watch for: confusion between tutor experiences and student outcomes, concurrent changes not specific to math gaps, and vague generalizations without quantified evidence.
What evidence best supports the claim that Renaissance thinking represented a departure from medieval approaches?
The invention of linear perspective revolutionized painting techniques and artistic representation during this historical period
Artists like Leonardo da Vinci combined scientific observation with artistic expression creating realistic representations successfully
Humanism emerged as scholars rediscovered classical texts, emphasizing individual potential rather than religious concerns
The patronage system allowed artists to pursue secular themes alongside traditional religious subjects in their work
Explanation
Choice A directly contrasts Renaissance humanism (individual potential) with medieval focus (religious concerns), showing the philosophical shift. Choice B shows Renaissance innovation but doesn't explicitly contrast with medieval approaches. Choice C describes a technical advancement but doesn't demonstrate departure from medieval thinking. Choice D shows expanded subject matter but doesn't clearly contrast with medieval practices.
What evidence does the author use to justify the argument that minimum-wage increases did not reduce employment?
Employment in affected counties changed +0.2% versus +0.1% in matched controls after the increase (BLS, 2021).
A 1995 case study was mentioned briefly, though the analysis focused on post-2018 labor markets.
One restaurant owner said hiring “felt harder,” yet provided no payroll records or comparison period.
The report explained that wages influence morale, a general statement not linked to employment totals.
Explanation
This question tests SSAT Upper Level reading skills: identifying evidence that supports a conclusion. The key concept is understanding how specific pieces of evidence can directly support or refute a conclusion based on logical reasoning. This involves critical reading and analytical skills to discern relevant from irrelevant information. In the passage, the argument that minimum-wage increases did not reduce employment is justified by data showing employment in affected counties changed +0.2% versus +0.1% in matched controls, which illustrates no negative impact. Choice A is correct because it directly compares employment changes between treatment and control groups, demonstrating that employment actually increased slightly more in areas with wage increases, using official data (BLS, 2021). Choice B is incorrect because it presents one owner's subjective feeling about hiring difficulty without payroll records or comparative data, leading to a common misconception where students might overvalue anecdotal business owner testimony. To help students, teach them to identify key phrases that signal controlled comparisons, such as 'matched controls' and percentage changes. Encourage practice with recognizing the importance of comparison groups in economic studies. Watch for: reliance on individual anecdotes, general statements about wages and morale without employment data, and outdated case studies from different economic contexts.
Which evidence best supports the claim that Pompeii provides exceptional insight into ordinary Roman life?
Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, covering the city with preserving volcanic ash
Archaeologists discovered intact bakeries, taverns, and homes with elaborate mythological frescoes
The volcanic preservation allows modern researchers to study culture with unprecedented historical accuracy
Personal items like jewelry, tools, and graffiti reveal ordinary citizens' daily activities
Explanation
Choice C directly identifies evidence of ordinary people's lives through personal belongings and graffiti, supporting the claim about insight into common citizens. Choice A explains how preservation occurred but not what it reveals about ordinary life. Choice B mentions discoveries but focuses more on businesses and art than ordinary people. Choice D describes the research value but doesn't specify evidence about ordinary life.
What evidence most clearly demonstrates the harmful impact of the garbage patch on marine wildlife?
Plastic fragments are found in 90% of seabird stomachs in the affected area
Ocean currents have concentrated an estimated 80,000 metric tons of plastic in the region
Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, causing intestinal blockages and death in many cases
The floating debris mass spans an area larger than twice the size of Texas
Explanation
Choice D provides specific evidence of harm by explaining both the mechanism (mistaking plastic for food) and the lethal consequence (intestinal blockages and death). Choice A shows the size but not the impact on wildlife. Choice B quantifies the pollution but doesn't demonstrate harm to animals. Choice C shows ingestion but doesn't specify the harmful effects.
Which evidence best supports the claim that the Library of Alexandria was the ancient world's premier learning institution?
It housed an estimated 400,000 to 700,000 scrolls covering mathematics, astronomy, and literature
The library's decline occurred gradually due to funding issues and political instability over centuries
Renowned scholars like Euclid and Eratosthenes conducted groundbreaking research there producing major discoveries
The library was founded around 295 BCE and attracted scholars from across Mediterranean regions
Explanation
Choice C provides evidence of the library's intellectual impact through famous scholars and their achievements, demonstrating its premier status. Choice A shows its founding and geographic reach but not necessarily its supremacy. Choice B indicates size but not quality or impact. Choice D describes its decline rather than supporting its premier status.
A researcher claims that background music improves workplace productivity. Which evidence would most effectively support this claim?
Employees listening to instrumental music completed 18% more tasks per hour than those working in silence
Background music has been shown to reduce stress hormones and improve overall mood in controlled laboratory studies
Many major corporations have installed comprehensive sound systems to play music in their office work environments
Surveys indicate that 73% of workers prefer having background music while performing routine daily office tasks
Explanation
Choice A provides direct quantitative evidence linking background music to increased productivity through task completion rates. Choice B explains potential mechanisms but doesn't measure actual productivity. Choice C shows adoption but doesn't prove effectiveness. Choice D shows preference but doesn't demonstrate productivity improvements.
A researcher concludes that regular exercise improves mood in elderly adults. Which piece of evidence would best support this conclusion?
Exercise increases production of endorphins, which are natural mood-elevating brain chemicals
Physical activity recommendations for seniors include both cardiovascular and strength training components
Elderly adults who exercise three times weekly report significantly higher happiness levels
Many elderly adults participate in group exercise classes at community recreational centers
Explanation
Choice A provides direct evidence linking regular exercise to improved mood through reported happiness levels in the target population. Choice B explains a biological mechanism but doesn't specifically demonstrate the effect in elderly adults. Choice C shows participation but doesn't measure mood outcomes. Choice D gives exercise recommendations but doesn't connect exercise to mood improvements.
What evidence most strongly supports the conclusion that classical music promotes plant growth?
The experiment used 60 identical seedlings divided into four separate treatment groups
Plants exposed to silence averaged 6.8 inches compared to other musical treatments
The classical music group had the highest average height at 8.2 inches
All plant groups received identical amounts of water, sunlight, and fertilizer consistently
Explanation
Choice A provides the direct numerical evidence showing classical music plants grew tallest, supporting the conclusion about classical music's positive effect. Choice B describes experimental controls but doesn't support the specific conclusion about classical music. Choice C explains the experimental design but not the results. Choice D mentions the control group but doesn't specifically support the classical music conclusion.
What evidence most directly demonstrates that microplastics pose a threat to marine animals?
Ocean currents concentrate particles in floating patches, with the largest covering massive geographic areas
Ninety percent of seabirds have plastic in their digestive systems, mistaking fragments for food
These particles are smaller than 5 millimeters and have become a pervasive environmental pollutant
Microplastics result from breakdown of larger plastic items and synthetic clothing fiber pollution
Explanation
Choice C provides direct evidence of harm to marine animals through ingestion statistics and explains the mechanism (mistaking plastic for food). Choice A explains sources but not threats to animals. Choice B describes the particles but not their impact on marine life. Choice D shows distribution but doesn't demonstrate direct threats to animals.