Question 139·Easy·Command of Evidence
Sociologist Dr. Elena Ruiz surveyed teenagers in several U.S. cities about their volunteer experiences. Ruiz claims that teenagers who primarily volunteer to meet new people tend to prefer group-oriented volunteer activities.
Which survey response from a teenager would best support Ruiz’s claim?
For “best evidence” or support questions like this, first restate the claim in your own words and break it into key pieces (for example, the person’s motivation and the type of activity). Then quickly scan each answer for those exact pieces, eliminating choices that only match one part or that clearly contradict the claim (like saying they don’t interact with anyone). Choose the option that matches all key elements of the claim most directly, without needing you to infer or stretch the meaning.
Hints
Focus on the two key ideas in the claim
Underline the two parts of the claim: why the teens volunteer and what kind of volunteer activities they prefer. Any supporting answer must match both parts.
Look for the teen’s main reason for volunteering
In each answer choice, identify the teen’s main motivation. Ask: is this teen mostly interested in helping others quietly, fulfilling a requirement, or meeting new people?
Decide whether the activity is group or individual
For each option, ask: does this activity involve working alone, from home, or with many other people? Only a clearly group-focused activity can support the claim.
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what the claim is saying
Break the claim into two parts:
- Motivation: The teenager primarily volunteers to meet new people.
- Preference: The teenager prefers group-oriented volunteer activities.
The correct answer must clearly show both of these points.
Check each option for the motivation
Look at why each teenager says they volunteer:
- Option A: likes it because it’s quiet and they can focus on the animals (not mainly to meet new people).
- Option B: mentions getting to make new friends (this is about meeting new people).
- Option C: says they don’t really interact with anyone (not about meeting people).
- Option D: volunteers because school requires service hours (requirement, not meeting people).
Only one option clearly has meeting new people as an important reason.
Check each option for group-oriented activity
Now check what type of activity each teenager prefers:
- Option A: volunteers on my own after school (individual, not group).
- Option B: works alongside dozens of other students (clearly a group activity).
- Option C: volunteers from home and doesn’t interact with anyone (individual).
- Option D: goes wherever the counselor assigns (no clear sign of group preference).
Only one option clearly prefers working with a large group.
Match both parts of the claim to one response
We need the response where the teen volunteers to meet new people and likes group activities. Option B says, “I sign up for Saturday park beautification projects because I get to work alongside dozens of other students and make new friends.” This shows both a group-oriented project (“dozens of other students”) and the main motivation (“make new friends”), so Option B is the best support for Ruiz’s claim.