What is meant by "text-dependent questions" on the SOL?

• A. Questions that can only be answered by citing evidence from the text.
• B. Questions that are based on outside sources.
• C. Questions that require personal opinion.
• D. Questions about spelling.

Answer: (A)

Text-dependent questions require you to base your answer on evidence directly from the text. They ask you to show you’ve read closely by citing specific details, lines, or quotes and explaining how they support your idea. This approach ensures your thinking is anchored in what the author actually wrote, not in memory or personal guesswork.

The correct approach is strongest because it demonstrates a clear link between your interpretation and concrete text evidence, leaving little room for opinion. If a question asks why a character acted in a certain way, you would point to a part of the text that reveals motivation or relevant context and explain how that evidence backs up your reasoning.

Other options that rely on outside sources, personal beliefs, or unrelated topics aren’t a fit for these questions because they don’t require or demonstrate direct evidence from the text.