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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- Read the cited line plus at least one sentence before and after it for full context.