Which Claim Do Both Passages Support

WhichClaim Do Both Passages Support? A Guide to Analyzing Dual‑Text Questions

When faced with a reading‑comprehension task that presents two separate passages and asks, “Which claim do both passages support?” test‑takers must identify a statement that is affirmed—or at least not contradicted—by each text. Which means this question type appears frequently on standardized exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and various state assessments because it measures the ability to synthesize information across sources. Below is a comprehensive, step‑by‑step approach to mastering this skill, complete with strategies, common pitfalls, a worked example, and the cognitive science behind why the method works.

Understanding the Question Type

The prompt “which claim do both passages support” requires you to:

Read each passage independently to grasp its main ideas, evidence, and tone.
Identify any explicit or implicit statements that each passage makes about a topic.
Find the overlap—the claim that appears in both texts, either verbatim or paraphrased. 4. Eliminate answer choices that are supported by only one passage, contradicted by either, or not mentioned at all.

Unlike questions that ask for a difference or a contrast, this format rewards convergent thinking: you are looking for common ground rather than divergence.

Step‑by‑Step Strategy

1. Preview the Question and Answer Choices

Read the question stem first so you know exactly what you are hunting for.
Glance at the answer options (usually four) to notice any patterns—e.g., two options may be opposites, while another pair may be similar.

2. Skim Each Passage for the Core Idea

First pass: Read quickly to capture the thesis or central argument.
Second pass: Underline or mentally note any claim‑like sentences (those that assert something can be true, should be done, or is a fact).
Tip: Claims often appear with signaling words such as according to, research shows, it is evident that, the author argues, or we can conclude.

3. Create a Mini‑Chart of Claims

Passage	Claim(s) Identified	Supporting Evidence
A	…	…
B	…	…

This visual aid makes it easier to spot overlap.

4. Compare the Lists

Look for exact matches (same phrasing).
Look for paraphrased matches (same meaning, different wording).
Discard any claim that appears only in one column or is negated in the other (e.g., Passage A says “X is beneficial,” Passage B says “X has no effect”).

5. Test Each Answer Choice Against the Chart

True/False Test: Does the choice appear in both columns? If yes, keep it; if no, eliminate it.
Evidence Check: Verify that each passage actually provides support (not just a mention) for the claim. A passing reference without endorsement does not count as support.

6. Choose the Best Answer

If more than one option seems to satisfy both passages, select the one that is most directly supported (i.e., has the strongest textual evidence).
If none fit, re‑examine your charts; you may have missed a subtle claim.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall	Why It Happens	How to Avoid
*Choosing a statement that is only mentioned* in both passages**	Test‑takers confuse “mentioned” with “supported.Consider this: ”	Ask: Does each passage provide evidence, reasoning, or an endorsement?
Overlooking paraphrasing	The exact wording differs, causing a false negative. Plus,	Focus on meaning; replace synonyms and check logical equivalence. And
Letting personal knowledge bias the answer	Outside information can make a claim feel true even if the texts don’t back it. Consider this:	Stick strictly to what is written; ignore what you know from other sources.
Misreading negation or qualifiers	Words like not, rarely, only, or unless flip the meaning. And	Highlight negations and qualifiers while reading; treat them as part of the claim.
Running out of time	Spending too long on one passage.	Practice timed drills; allocate roughly equal minutes to each passage and the comparison step.

Worked Example

Passage A (excerpt):

Continue exploring with our guides on why was john proctor a tragic hero and who helped thomas edison with the light bulb.

“Recent studies indicate that regular aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and increasing HDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity activity per week for adults.”

Passage B (excerpt):

“Researchers at the University of Michigan found that participants who engaged in brisk walking three times a week experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. They concluded that aerobic activity is a key factor in maintaining heart health.”

Question: Which claim do both passages support?

Answer Choices
A. Aerobic exercise reduces LDL cholesterol.
B. Engaging in aerobic activity three times a week lowers blood pressure. C. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
D. Only high‑intensity interval training improves heart health.

Solution Process

Identify claims in Passage A:
- Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health (lowers BP, raises HDL).
- AHA recommends 150 min/week of moderate activity.
Identify claims in Passage B:
- Brisk walking (aerobic) three times a week reduces systolic blood pressure.
- Aerobic activity is a key factor in heart health.
Create chart:

Passage	Claim	Evidence
A	Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health (lowers BP, raises HDL)	Study cited; AHA recommendation
A	AHA recommends 150 min/week moderate activity	Direct statement
B	Brisk walking three times a week lowers systolic blood pressure	Study result
B	Aerobic activity is key to heart health	Author conclusion

Compare:
- Both passages agree that aerobic activity lowers blood pressure (Passage A mentions lowering BP; Passage B shows a reduction in systolic BP).
- Both also agree that aerobic activity benefits heart health (Passage A: improves cardiovascular health; Passage B: key factor in heart health).
- The AHA recommendation appears only in Passage A.
- LDL cholesterol is not mentioned in Passage B.
- High‑intensity interval training is not discussed.
Test answer choices:
- A: LDL cholesterol – not in B → eliminate.
- B: “Engaging in aerobic activity three times a week lowers blood pressure” – matches the overlap (aerobic + BP reduction + frequency) → keep.