📖 Citing Text Evidence — Supporting Analysis With Evidence
Descend into the Midnight Abyss with Finn!
Read the Passage First!
🔤 Words to Know
Text evidence — Specific details from the text used to support an analysis or argument.
Cite — To reference the exact source of information.
Inference — A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning, not stated directly.
Pearl gave Finn a passage about deep-sea ecosystems and asked him to analyze it with text evidence.
The passage read: "The midnight zone receives no sunlight. Organisms here rely on chemosynthesis or bioluminescence for survival. Scientists estimate that over 90% of deep-sea species remain undiscovered, making this the last great frontier of exploration on Earth."
"What claim can you make about the midnight zone?" asked Pearl.
Finn wrote: "The midnight zone is largely unexplored and contains many undiscovered species. The text states that over 90% of deep-sea species remain undiscovered, supporting the idea that this is the last great frontier of exploration."
"Notice how you made an inference — a conclusion not directly stated — and then supported it with direct quotes," said Pearl. "That is how sixth graders cite evidence."
"Strong analysis always connects your claim to specific words from the text," Pearl continued. "You should be able to point to a sentence, quote it, and explain how it supports your point."
Finn added, "An inference goes beyond what the text says directly. The text does not say the midnight zone is important — but the word frontier implies significance and urgency."
🧠 Answer the Questions
Read carefully and support your answers with evidence!
What skill is this about?
Who helped Finn?
What is text evidence?
What does it mean to cite evidence?
What is an inference?
What is connotation?
What makes a strong argument?
How does text structure affect meaning?
What is theme vs. topic?
What is the author s purpose?
Solve: y - 9 = 14
What is -5 + 8?
Write 7/20 as a percent.
Surface area of a cube with side 4?
Where is Midnight Abyss?