Here's what it means:
* Direct Quotes: Using the exact words from the text, enclosed in quotation marks.
* Paraphrasing: Summarizing a passage in your own words while still retaining the original meaning.
* Specific Details: Identifying key facts, statistics, examples, or descriptions from the text.
Why is Textual Evidence Important?
* Provides Support: It strengthens your arguments and makes them more believable.
* Shows Understanding: It demonstrates that you have carefully read and comprehended the text.
* Adds Credibility: It adds weight to your claims and helps to avoid unsupported opinions.
* Prevents Misinterpretation: It ensures that your interpretations are based on the actual text.
How to Find Textual Evidence:
* Read Carefully: Pay attention to key details, important events, and the author's main ideas.
* Highlight or Annotate: Mark important passages, key terms, or supporting details.
* Note Page Numbers: Make sure to record the location of the evidence for easy reference.
Example:
Claim: The main character in the novel is a dynamic character.
Textual Evidence: "At the beginning of the story, he was a shy and timid boy, but by the end, he had become a brave and confident young man."
In summary: Textual evidence is essential for making strong and well-supported arguments based on a text. By using specific details from the text, you can provide evidence that supports your claims and demonstrate a deep understanding of the material.