Top Tips for Acing the SAT Reading Section

Top Tips for Acing the SAT Reading Section

The Reading Section of the SAT has 52 questions on 5 passages (Fiction, Social Science, Natural Science, and Global Conversation).  There are two main types of questions under which there are sub-types:         

A)    General Questions                                                                                      6-10 Qs.

- Which choice best describe what happens in the passage?

- Which choice best summarizes the passage?

- Over the course of the passage, the author’s focus shifts from … .

- Over the course of the passage, the narrator’s attitude shifts from … .

- The passage makes the most extensive use of which kind of evidence?

B) Specific Questions                                                                           

1. Command of Evidence Questions                                                     18-22 Qs.

          (Paired Questions / Single Questions / Graph Questions)

2. Rhetorical Purpose Questions                                                            14-18 Qs.

3. Vocabulary in Context Questions                                                       10-12 Qs.

4. Inference & Suggestion Questions                                                      8-12 Qs.

5. Tone & Attitude Questions                                                                  4-6 Qs.

6. Analogy Questions                                                                               2-4 Qs.

7. Hypothetical Questions                                                                        2-4 Qs.

Follow the tips below for every Reading passage in the SAT Reading Section:

Tip (1): ALWAYS Read the Blurb

The little part at the top of each passage can be helpful for identifying the type of passage and setting the tone of that passage by providing certain background information about the passage, especially the paired passages.

 

 Tip (2): The Introduction is ALAWAYS Important

The introduction paragraph of each passage is extremely important. Underlining the key words and phrases in the introduction paragraph is really important for better understanding. Look for the Thesis Statement, which is the author’s main idea that he/she will discuss throughout the passage.

Tip (3): Understand the Question Well

Underline and circle the Lead Words of the question so you know what the question exactly asks. Paraphrasing the question is extremely important. Always explain the question to yourself to make sure that you understand it.

Tip (4): Postpone Some Questions

The SAT Reading Section has some general questions that are best not to be dealt with till you answer the other passage questions, especially if these general questions come immediately after the passage. Examples of these questions that should not be dealt with immediately are as follows:

      - Which choice best describes what happens in the passage?

      - Which best summarizes the passage?

      - Over the course of the passage, the author’s focus shifts from … .

      - The main purpose of each passage is … .

      - Which choice best reflects the overall sequence of events in the passage?

      - Over the course of the passage, the narrator’s attitude shifts from … .

      - Over the course of the passage, the focus shifts from … .

      - The passage makes the most extensive use of which kind of evidence?

Dealing with such questions after answering the other questions gives you a better chance to get them right.

Tip (5): Hone in on Modifiers and Descriptors

Answer choices often contain descriptive modifiers (adjectives & adverbs), seen in phrases like “impassioned plea,” “desperate request,” and so on. The modifiers and the nouns they modify can help you eliminate incorrect answers.

Tip (6): Look for Synonyms & Restatements

Answer choices are not written in the passage word for word; instead, they are written using restatements and synonyms. Always look for answer choices that contain synonyms to terms or concepts mentioned in the passage. This strategy is valid to ALL the SAT Reading Section questions.

Tip (7): Read Actively (with your Pencil, not just Eyes)

While reading any portion, line reference or a question in a passage, read actively: use your pencil to underline and circle the following necessary information that you expect to find questions on:

- Names of characters, scientists, researchers, public figures, species, places… etc.

- Common words such as study, experiments, phenomenon, results, findings, outcomes, subjects,              participants…etc.

- Transitional expressions such as but, yet, so, however, nevertheless, therefore, consequently…etc. 

Tip (8): The “POE” Strategy

The “Process of Elimination” is a very important test strategy on the New SAT. One important thing to remember when eliminating an answer is that even a single word can make an answer choice wrong. If a single word in the answer choice isn't supported by the passage, you need to eliminate it, even if the rest of that answer sounds good. 

Tip (9): Take Dual (Paired) Passages One at a Time

One of your science or history/social studies passages will be a set of dual passages—two shorter texts about one topic.  Do questions about the first passage first, questions about the second passage second, and questions about both passages last. This will save time and keep you from confusing the two passages when you’re evaluating the answer choices.

Tip (10): No Penalty for Guessing

Because the SAT Reading section is long and tiring, it is so common to run out of time before finishing all the questions. In this case, you are left with nothing but guessing. Never leave a question on the test unanswered, even if you don’t have time to read it. Guess and go.