What is the importance of "text evidence" in answering SOL questions?

• A. It demonstrates your ability to memorize the passage
• B. It is not required if you understand the gist
• C. It anchors answers in the text, showing comprehension and supporting reasoning
• D. It helps you justify an interpretation using evidence from the passage

Answer: (C)

Text evidence anchors your answer in the actual words of the passage, showing you understood what you read and that your reasoning comes from the text rather than guesswork. On SOL questions, you’re asked to connect an idea or conclusion to details from the passage, so pointing to specific lines or moments demonstrates that linkage. By citing those details, you show comprehension and explain how the evidence supports your reasoning, which makes your answer more persuasive and defensible. While grasping the gist is helpful, grounding your response in precise evidence shows you can locate and apply relevant details, not just rely on a general impression.