Question 163·Easy·Command of Evidence
In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1836 essay “Nature,” the narrator argues that being outdoors inspires people to think more clearly and creatively, stating ____
Which quotation from “Nature” best supports this argument?
For “best evidence” Reading & Writing questions like this, first paraphrase the claim in your own words and underline its key ideas (here: being in nature → clearer/better thinking). Then scan the answer choices looking for direct matches in meaning, especially for cause-and-effect language that links the same subject and result. Eliminate choices that only describe nature’s appearance or emotional impact without clearly stating the specific effect named in the question, and choose the quote that most explicitly states that effect rather than one that just feels generally related to the topic.
Hints
Focus on the effect, not just the scenery
The question is not just about nature being beautiful or impressive. It’s about how being outdoors changes the way people think. Look for a quote that shows that effect.
Underline key words in the question
Mark or note the ideas in the prompt: being outdoors, inspires, think more clearly and creatively. Then scan the options for words or phrases that connect to improved thinking or understanding.
Check each choice for a cause-and-effect link
Ask of each quote: Does this sentence say that being in nature causes a change in how people think, understand, or believe? Eliminate any options that only describe stars or light without mentioning a change in people’s thinking.
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what the question is asking
The prompt tells you what the narrator argues: being outdoors inspires people to think more clearly and creatively. You must pick the quotation that most directly supports this idea, not just something about nature in general.
Identify the key ideas to match
Break the argument into its main parts:
- Location: being outdoors / in nature
- Effect: improved thinking and creativity (clearer, higher-level thinking, imagination, insight)
The best supporting quote should clearly connect being in nature with better thinking or higher understanding.
Quickly test each option against the argument
Go through the choices and ask of each: Does this line say that being outdoors changes how people think or understand?
- Some options talk about stars or light but only describe their qualities.
- Only one option clearly says that being in the woods leads people back to reason (clear thinking) and faith (a kind of deep belief or higher understanding).
Choose the quote that explicitly links nature to clearer thinking
The quotation “In the woods, we return to reason and faith.” best supports the narrator’s argument. It directly connects being outdoors (“in the woods”) with people gaining clearer, better thinking (“reason”) and deeper, more inspired understanding (“faith”), which matches the idea that nature inspires clearer and more creative thought.