When analyzing a nonfiction passage, which strategy best helps differentiate proven facts from supported claims?

• A. Check for cited evidence, qualifiers, and corroborating sources
• B. Assume all statements are opinions
• C. Focus only on the introduction
• D. Ignore sources and citations

Answer: (A)

When evaluating nonfiction, you measure how firmly a statement is supported by evidence. The best way to differentiate proven facts from supported claims is to look for signs that the author is backing statements with real support. Cited evidence shows that a claim rests on data, research, or expert testimony. Qualifiers such as “may,” “likely,” or “according to” reveal the degree of certainty and help you separate firmly established facts from more tentative claims. Corroborating sources—finding similar evidence or conclusions from multiple independent references—strengthen a claim and move it toward being a well-supported fact. Other approaches fall short because they ignore evidence and sources, or treat every statement as equal, which makes it hard to know what’s truly established.