Command of Evidence items reward a simple habit: the correct answer is the option that directly ties the question’s claim to something explicit in the passage or notes.
1. Read the question before the passage (once)
Identify what is being claimed and whether you need support, weakening, or irrelevant evidence. That single pass stops you from “re-reading until it feels right.”
2. Underline the smallest anchor phrase
Look for numbers, dates, causal words (because, therefore), or definitions. The right line usually sits within one or two sentences of that anchor.
3. Eliminate “true but off-topic” aggressively
An option can be factually correct and still wrong if it does not address the specific claim in the stem. If two options look plausible, ask: which one answers the exact wording of the question?
4. Timing: evidence questions are not “slow read” questions
If you are above 90 seconds, you are usually over-modeling. Reset: claim → anchor → match.
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