Evidence-Based Conclusions: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

Understanding Evidence-Based Conclusions

On the Reading section of the TEAS, you will often be asked to identify specific evidence that supports a conclusion provided in the question. In this scenario, the conclusion is that the city council's legislative action was the spark (catalyst) for the neighborhood's backlash. To find the correct answer, you must look for an action-reaction relationship: what did the council do that specifically triggered the protest?

Analysis of the Options

• Choice A is correct. The fact that the council voted to approve the project despite strong opposition provides a direct cause-and-effect link. It shows that the legislative action (the vote) ignored the community's wishes, which logically explains why a backlash occurred. The evidence demonstrates a conflict of interest and a specific decision that would naturally lead to a protest.
• Choice B is incorrect. While announcing a plan at a press conference provides a timeline for when information became public, the act of holding a press conference is a standard administrative procedure. It is not, in itself, the controversial action that justifies a "backlash"—the content of the decision is more relevant than the day of the week it was announced.
• Choice C is incorrect. While the residency of the council members might be a point of frustration for the neighborhood, it is a statement of status (who they are), not an action (what they did). This may be a contributing factor to the tension, but it isn't the "catalyst" or "spark" that a specific vote represents.
• Choice D is incorrect. Meeting with environmental consultants is generally seen as a standard part of the planning process. Unless the passage specified that these consultants were corrupt or ignored, this action is neutral and unlikely to be the primary evidence for a massive protest.

TEAS Concept: Identifying Cause and Effect

Successful students on the TEAS exam look for "logic chains." If the conclusion is "the action sparked a movement," your evidence must be the "action" itself. In reading comprehension, avoid "distractor" options that provide background information (like Choice C) or timeline details (like Choice B) without addressing the core conflict.

Memory Tip

When looking for evidence to support a conclusion about a "spark" or "catalyst," ask yourself: "Which of these options would make someone the angriest?" Typically, the answer that involves a controversial decision or a blatant disregard for a group's needs is the evidence that supports a conclusion about a movement or protest.