guide
How to build an evidence-based paragraph
Plan a claim, select evidence and explain its relevance with a short original example and paragraph checklist.
Decide what the paragraph must establish
Turn the question into one specific point you can defend. A useful paragraph needs a claim, relevant evidence and an explanation of how that evidence supports the claim. This is a planning aid rather than a compulsory structure for every course. Check whether your task asks you to analyse, evaluate, compare or explain.
Separate observation from interpretation
Consider this invented scene: a character rehearses a speech alone, then says only one sentence at a meeting. An observation is that the delivered speech is shorter than the rehearsal. An interpretation is that the contrast suggests hesitation in public. To strengthen that interpretation, look for surrounding actions or dialogue. Do not claim the scene proves a motive that the text never establishes.
Explain the connection
A draft might read: The contrast between the long rehearsal and the single spoken sentence presents public speech as difficult for the character. The change in length matters because it shows a gap between private intention and public action. This example demonstrates reasoning from evidence; it does not replace quotations or detailed context when your task requires them.
Revise one weakness at a time
Underline your claim, circle the evidence and mark the sentence explaining the connection. If the explanation merely repeats the evidence, add why the detail matters to the question. If the claim is broader than the evidence supports, narrow it. For a comparison, apply the same point to both cases before drawing a conclusion. Save the original paragraph and revised version so you can identify what changed.
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Continue with a related guide
Methodology
Original editorial guidance and illustrative examples prepared on 4 November 2026. These exercises are not official assessment questions and do not specify syllabus requirements.