How does evidence from multiple paragraphs help you assess a claim?

• A. It shows consistency, breadth, and depth of support for the claim.
• B. It reveals the author's bias.
• C. It counts the number of paragraphs.
• D. It relies on formatting and color.

Answer: (A)

Evaluating a claim using evidence from multiple paragraphs focuses on how the text builds support across different sections. When you see evidence scattered through various paragraphs, you can assess three things: consistency, breadth, and depth. Consistency means the separate pieces of evidence line up rather than contradict each other, showing a coherent case. Breadth means the claim is supported by a range of sources or examples, not just one type of proof. Depth means some paragraphs go into detailed explanation or reasoning, helping you understand why the claim is true. Together, these indicate that the claim rests on a well-rounded and credible foundation rather than on a single point or superficial mentions.