Question 118·Easy·Command of Evidence
A local journalist is preparing an article about the mayor’s recent State of the City address. In the article, the journalist claims that the mayor prioritized expanding affordable housing in her speech and outlined specific steps to achieve this goal.
Which quotation from the speech would be the most effective evidence for the journalist to include in support of this claim?
For SAT Command of Evidence questions like this, first restate the claim in your own words and underline its key ideas (here, “affordable housing” and “specific steps”). Then quickly scan the answer choices and immediately cross out any that are on the wrong topic (transportation, environment, parks, etc.). With the remaining choice(s), check which one fully matches all parts of the claim, especially looking for evidence that is both on-topic and detailed, not just vaguely positive. Choose the quote that most directly and specifically supports the claim without stretching or interpreting too much.
Hints
Focus on what the claim is about
Underline the key parts of the journalist’s claim: prioritized expanding affordable housing and outlined specific steps. The correct quote must show both the priority and clear actions.
Check the topic of each choice
Look at each option and ask: Is this mainly about housing and affordability, or is it about something else like transportation, parks, or the environment?
Look for concrete actions, not just goals
Among the options, which one not only mentions housing but also lists specific actions the city will take (for example, changes to policies, incentives, or how land will be used)?
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate the journalist’s claim
The journalist says the mayor prioritized expanding affordable housing and outlined specific steps to reach that goal.
So the supporting quote must do both of these things:
- Be about housing, specifically making it more affordable.
- Include concrete actions or steps the city will take.
Eliminate quotes on the wrong topic
Check each choice and ask: Is this about affordable housing?
- One quote is about waterfront revitalization and adding parks and cultural venues.
- One quote is about traffic signals, bus routes, and commute times.
- One quote is about solar panels and carbon neutrality.
- Only one quote is clearly about housing, using phrases like “mixed-income units” and “affordable homes.”
Any choice that does not mention housing or affordability cannot support the journalist’s claim and can be eliminated.
Check for specific steps within the housing quote
Now focus on the quote that is about housing. Ask: Does it outline specific steps to expand affordable housing?
In that quote, the mayor:
- Promises to double the number of mixed-income units (shows the priority and the goal).
- Explains how: by streamlining permits, offering tax incentives to nonprofit developers, and converting vacant city-owned lots into affordable homes.
These are clear, specific actions, not just vague promises.
Match the quote to the claim and identify the answer
The journalist’s claim is fully supported only by the quote that
- Focuses on expanding affordable housing (via “mixed-income units” and “affordable homes”), and
- Lists specific steps (streamlining permits, tax incentives, converting vacant lots).
This matches choice D: “Over the next decade, we will double the number of mixed-income units by streamlining permits, offering tax incentives to nonprofit developers, and converting vacant city-owned lots into affordable homes.”