Strategy for Paired Command of Evidence Questions

Core Concepts

Master the two-part 'paired' question format. This stack details effective strategies, such as working backward from the evidence, to efficiently and accurately answer these challenging questions.

Strategy for Paired Command of Evidence Questions

1 of 14

Can two different answer choices for Q1 seem plausible?

Yes, but only one will have a direct, explicit piece of evidence supporting it among the choices for Q2. The evidence is the ultimate tiebreaker.

What are the two primary strategies for tackling a paired Command of Evidence question set?

1. Answer the first question, then find the evidence in the second. 2. Use the evidence choices in the second question to help determine the answer to the first question.

Explain the strategy of using the second question's choices to answer the first question.

Read the first question, then go directly to the four evidence choices in the second question. Read each snippet of text and decide which one best answers the first question. The content of the correct evidence will point to the correct answer choice in Q1.

Why is the strategy of using the evidence choices first often more effective?

It reduces the task from searching the whole passage to evaluating just four specific locations. It forces you to ground your answer in the text and prevents you from picking a Q1 answer that has no direct support.

What is the 'Paired Test' or 'Match-Up' you should perform before finalizing your answers?

Check that the answer you chose for the first question and the evidence you chose for the second question form a logical pair. The evidence should directly and explicitly support the answer.

What should you do if you answer the first question and then find that none of the evidence choices in the second question support your answer?

This is a sign that your answer to the first question is likely incorrect. You should re-evaluate the first question, this time using the evidence choices from the second question to guide you.

How can you use the evidence choices (Q2) to eliminate wrong answers in the comprehension question (Q1)?

If an evidence choice (Q2) clearly supports a specific idea, but that idea is not reflected in any answer choice for Q1, you can often eliminate that evidence. Conversely, if a Q1 answer has no possible support among the Q2 choices, it's likely wrong.

What does it mean to look for a 'one-to-one' relationship between the answer and the evidence?

It means the chosen answer for Q1 should be a direct restatement or summary of the lines of evidence in Q2. There should be no need to make large inferential leaps.

When approaching the evidence choices in Q2, why is it important to read the lines in context?

Reading a line or two before and after the cited lines helps you understand the full meaning. A line taken out of context can be misleading.

If you are confident in your answer to Q1, how should you approach Q2?

Go through each evidence choice in Q2 and ask, "Does this set of lines directly prove the answer I just chose for Q1?" One choice will be a much better justification than the others.

What is a common trap in the answer choices for the first question in a pair?

An answer choice might be a true statement about the passage but not be the specific idea supported by any of the evidence choices offered in the second question.

How should you physically mark the passage when working on paired questions?

Bracket and label the four evidence snippets from Q2 (e.g., A, B, C, D) directly in the passage. This makes it easier to refer to and compare them as you work.

What's the final check you should make after selecting an answer pair?

Read the first question, then your chosen answer, then say 'because', and then read your chosen evidence. If the sentence flows logically and makes sense, you likely have the correct pair.

What is the 'recycling' concept in paired questions?

It's a common test design pattern where an incorrect answer to the first question (e.g., choice 1A) is directly supported by an incorrect evidence choice from the second question (e.g., choice 2D). Recognizing these intentionally mismatched 'trap pairs' helps you eliminate them and find the one correct, matched pair.

Strategy for Paired Command of Evidence Questions

Confirm Action

Prompt