6.2 Evidence & Commentary

Evidence supports claims

Textual evidence — specific words, details, or moments from the text — grounds an interpretation. Quote precisely and briefly; a well-chosen phrase beats a long block quotation.

Commentary does the work

Commentary is your explanation of how the evidence supports the claim. Evidence alone proves nothing; the analysis connecting quotation to thesis is where argument actually happens.

Avoid summary

The most common weakness is retelling the plot instead of analyzing. After a quotation, explain the word choice, image, or effect — don't just restate what happened.

Key terms

Textual evidence

Specific words or details from the text used as support.

Commentary

Explanation of how evidence supports the claim.

Summary problem

Retelling the plot instead of analyzing it.

Effective quoting

Brief, precise quotations chosen to fit the claim.

Evidence + commentary

Evidence proves nothing without analysis connecting it to the thesis.

Try an AP-style question

Commentary in a literary essay…

1. explains how evidence supports the claim
2. repeats the quotation in the same words
3. introduces a brand-new topic
4. summarizes what happens in the plot