Evidence-based reading and paired-passage strategies for the SAT reading and writing section.
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- What should you do first when you encounter a reading passage on the SAT?
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Read the header or introduction to understand the topic and genre before reading the full passage.- When an SAT question asks 'the passage most strongly suggests,' what should you look for?
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Evidence in the passage that supports the answer, even if not explicitly stated; this signals an inference question.- Why are paired passages more challenging than single passages on the SAT?
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You must read two texts, retain both, manage time for both, and recognize where they agree or disagree.- What is the best order to answer questions after a paired-passage set?
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Answer questions about Passage 1, then Passage 2, then comparison questions that address both passages.- When you encounter an unfamiliar word in an SAT reading passage, what is your best first move?
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Look for context clues in the surrounding sentences before moving on.- What do transition words like 'however,' 'but,' and 'yet' signal about the upcoming text?
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A contrast or shift to the previous idea; the author is presenting a different perspective.- If an answer choice on an SAT reading question is factually true but not in the passage, should you select it?
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No; eliminate it. SAT answers must be supported by passage evidence, not outside knowledge.- How should you analyze main ideas in paired passages that present different views?
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Identify the main idea of each passage separately, then determine how they relate: support, refute, extend, or differ.- On the SAT, which type of evidence is strongest in supporting an argument?
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Direct quotes from experts or credible sources; they carry more weight than personal anecdotes or general observations.- What should you do if you catch yourself rereading the same sentence multiple times in an SAT passage?
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Mark it, move on, and return only if a question specifically asks about that line.- When an SAT question asks 'which best describes the function of a phrase,' what should you analyze?
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Why the author included that phrase at that point, not just what it literally means.- What strategy helps you remember key details from both passages in a paired-passage set without rereading?
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Take brief notes on the main idea and key supporting points as you read each passage.- When a passage discusses a finding but never states an explicit conclusion, what type of question requires that conclusion?
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An inference question; you must draw a logical conclusion based on passage evidence.- What do words like 'because,' 'since,' and 'as a result' typically signal in an SAT passage?
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A cause-and-effect relationship; the text explains why something happened or what resulted from it.- When an SAT question cites a specific line number, how much context should you read?
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Read the cited line plus at least one sentence before and after it for full context.
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