When citing textual evidence in your response, what should you include besides quoting or paraphrasing?

• A. They should explain how it supports your claim.
• B. They should replace the need for analysis.
• C. They should be from unrelated sources.
• D. They should be copied verbatim without context.

Answer: (A)

When you cite textual evidence, you must do more than present the exact words or restate them in your own words. In addition to quoting or paraphrasing, you should explain how that evidence supports your claim. This explanation shows the reader why the passage matters, what it reveals about the point you’re making, and how it strengthens your overall argument. For example, a line that hints at a character’s motive gains its power when you connect that hint directly to your claim about their behavior or the theme you’re discussing. Without this bridge, the evidence can feel like a standalone quote rather than part of a coherent argument. The best responses make that connection explicit, clarifying the relevance and significance of the cited text.