Question

1. what role does textual evidence play in a comparative literature essay?

○ it provides “proof” of the claim made in the essay’s thesis statement.
○ it explains how two literary works could share common themes.
○ it offers a contradictory claim that the essay writer then rejects or disproves.
○ it summarizes the argument the writer plans to make in the essay.

Explanation:

In a comparative literature essay, textual evidence is used to support the thesis statement's claim. Option A is about summarizing the argument (not the role of evidence), Option B is about offering a contradictory claim (not evidence's role), Option C is about explaining common themes (not evidence's role). Option D states that textual evidence provides "proof" for the essay's thesis claim, which matches the purpose of evidence in such an essay.

Answer:

D. It provides “proof” of the claim made in the essay’s thesis statement.