Understanding Contradictory Evidence in SAT Textual Evidence Questions
Contradictory Evidence answers are often the easiest to eliminate in SAT textual evidence questions because they go against the hypothesis or claim outright. While other incorrect answers might distract you with irrelevant or tangential details, Contradictory Evidence is bold—it directly challenges the main idea. This makes it easier to spot if you’re paying attention to what the question is really asking.
Key Insight: Contradictory Evidence doesn’t just fail to support the hypothesis; it actively undermines it. If an answer feels like it’s saying, “Actually, the opposite is true,” it’s a classic Contradictory Evidence trap.
Example Question: Forest Density and Biodiversity
Here’s a realistic, college-level SAT example to illustrate:
Ecologists have long argued that forest density plays a crucial role in
sustaining biodiversity by creating stable microclimates that regulate
temperature and humidity. These stable conditions are believed to provide a
more favorable environment for a wide range of plant and animal species,
especially those sensitive to environmental fluctuations. Recent studies
comparing densely forested regions to deforested areas have aimed to measure
species richness, ecosystem resilience, and the ability of these regions to
recover from external disruptions. Proponents of the hypothesis argue that
higher forest density is directly linked to increased biodiversity, while
critics suggest that other factors, such as proximity to water sources or
soil composition, may play a larger role.
Which finding from the
studies, if true, would most directly support the hypothesis?
Correct! This directly supports the hypothesis by showing a strong, measurable link between dense forests and higher biodiversity. The higher species richness in dense forests aligns perfectly with the claim that forest density creates favorable conditions for biodiversity. It doesn’t just align with the hypothesis—it reinforces it with clear, relevant data.
This is a clear example of Contradictory Evidence. The hypothesis states that dense forests protect biodiversity, but this choice flips the claim on its head by suggesting deforested areas are better for species richness. This directly challenges the idea that dense forests are critical for sustaining biodiversity.
How to spot it: Notice how this choice completely opposes the core idea of the question. Always verify if the evidence aligns with or conflicts with the hypothesis.
This indirectly weakens the hypothesis by suggesting that species can thrive in deforested areas too. However, it doesn’t directly contradict the hypothesis as strongly as Choice B. This is more of a distraction than outright Contradictory Evidence.
Why it’s wrong: While it challenges the uniqueness of dense forests, it doesn’t provide evidence against their role in protecting biodiversity.
This provides indirect support for the hypothesis by highlighting how dense forests create more stable microclimates. However, it doesn’t directly address biodiversity, making it less relevant than Choice A.
Why it’s not enough: It’s related to the conditions dense forests create but doesn’t establish a direct link to species richness, which is the focus of the hypothesis.
How to Spot Contradictory Evidence Quickly
Contradictory Evidence is designed to test your ability to evaluate whether evidence aligns with the hypothesis. Use these steps to eliminate it efficiently:
1. Simplify the Hypothesis
Start by breaking the hypothesis into a simple phrase. For this question, the hypothesis is: “Dense forests = more biodiversity.” This helps you stay laser-focused on what the question is asking.
2. Cross-Check Each Answer
- Does this answer align with the hypothesis? If an answer directly opposes the claim (e.g., "Deforested areas have more biodiversity"), it’s Contradictory Evidence and should be eliminated.
- Does it support or oppose the main idea? Be strict—answers that outright challenge the hypothesis are clear red flags.
3. Eliminate Contradictory Evidence First
Contradictory Evidence is often the easiest to spot and remove. These answers are bold in their opposition to the hypothesis. Once you identify them, eliminate them immediately and focus on the remaining options.
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