What is an effective evidence-based writing task in CCSS?

• A. Writing a persuasive or analytic essay using specific textual evidence.
• B. Writing a narrative with no evidence.
• C. Copying text exactly as given.
• D. Listing random facts.

Answer: (A)

Evidence-based writing in CCSS centers on making a claim about a text and supporting it with specific textual evidence. An effective task asks you to write a persuasive or analytic essay that uses quotes or precise references and explains how each piece of evidence backs your point. This shows you’ve read closely, interpreted meaning, and can argue logically rather than just retell. Choices that involve a narrative with no evidence, copying text exactly, or listing random facts don’t demonstrate how to build a reasoned argument from the text or show close reading. For example, to argue that a character’s choices reveal a theme, you’d cite particular passages and explain how those passages illustrate the theme.