Virginia Reading 8th Grade SOL Practice Test

In informational writing, a claim is the statement the author puts forward as something to be argued or proven. Credible evidence means the support used to back that claim is relevant to the point, specific in detail, and drawn from data, examples, or expert testimony. Relevant evidence directly relates to the claim and helps build the argument. Specific evidence provides concrete details rather than vague statements. When evidence comes from data, concrete examples, or quotes from qualified experts, it strengthens the claim and makes the argument more trustworthy. Personal anecdotes or beliefs without supporting data aren’t as reliable for informing readers, and simply restating the conclusion doesn’t show how the claim is supported. This is why the described option best captures how claims and credible evidence work together.