AP English Language and Composition Flashcards: Commentary that explains how evidence proves a claim
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
If a writer uses a direct quote as evidence, what is the necessary role of the commentary that follows?
The commentary must explain the meaning and significance of the quote and then explicitly link that significance back to the argument's main claim.
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If a writer uses a direct quote as evidence, what is the necessary role of the commentary that follows?
The commentary must explain the meaning and significance of the quote and then explicitly link that significance back to the argument's main claim.
What does effective commentary do beyond simply stating a fact?
Effective commentary illuminates the significance of the evidence by interpreting it and explaining precisely how it proves the writer's specific claim.
A student writes: 'The data shows a 20% increase. This proves my point.' How could they improve this commentary?
They should improve it by explaining *why* the 20% increase is significant and *how* it specifically and logically supports the claim they are making.
Define 'commentary' in the context of argumentative writing.
Commentary is the writer's analysis and explanation that connects a piece of evidence to a claim, showing why the evidence is relevant and significant.
What is the primary function of commentary in relation to evidence and a claim?
Commentary explains the relationship between evidence and a claim, demonstrating how the evidence supports the writer's line of reasoning.
What is the key difference between commentary and summary?
Commentary provides analysis and interpretation that explains the 'so what' of the evidence, whereas summary merely restates or describes the evidence without connecting it to a claim.
How does commentary contribute to the overall coherence of an argument?
Commentary serves as the logical glue, integrating pieces of evidence with the claims they are meant to support and ensuring the entire argument flows smoothly.
What is the risk of providing evidence without sufficient commentary?
The risk is that the evidence will become a 'dropped quote' or 'data dump,' leaving the reader to interpret its relevance and potentially draw a different conclusion than the writer intended.
Why is commentary essential for a strong line of reasoning?
Commentary is essential because it makes the writer's logic explicit to the reader, preventing them from having to guess the connection between the evidence and the claim.
What is the ultimate goal of writing strong commentary?
The ultimate goal is to persuade the reader by clearly and convincingly demonstrating the validity of the writer's reasoning and the strength of their argument.
Describe the typical structure of a body paragraph that includes a claim, evidence, and commentary.
Typically, a paragraph begins with a claim (topic sentence), followed by evidence (quote, data), and then commentary that explains how that evidence proves the claim.