SAT Critical Reading Techniques

The SAT reading test accounts for 50% of scores on the SAT’s evidence-based writing and reading section. This breakdown makes the reading section extremely crucial. In this section, there are no comma rules or formulas to memorize, but all you need to know is how to approach every reading passage. This article will elaborate some of the most essential SAT critical reading techniques to master the SAT reading section.

SAT Critical Reading Techniques 

There are three components in the SAT critical reading section: two sections of 25 minutes each and one section of 20 minutes. These sections consist of short paragraph-length critical reading passages, paired passages or related passages and longer reading comprehension passages. Some of the SAT critical reading techniques strategies that you must follow according to the critical reading sections include:

Techniques for questions based on single passages

• While reading the passage, look for its structure and main point.
• Ensure that the passage supports your answer.
• While reading, note the tone of the passage.
• Benefit from the line numbers
• Through the context, figure out the meaning of the words, even if you are unfamiliar with them.
• Read all the options given as you’re looking for the most suitable answer.
• Actively read the passage and mark the main points and other important notes.
• Underline or circle the critical information while reading. However, do not over-mark as it will confuse.

Techniques for questions based on paired passages

• Read the introductory material carefully, as it describes it, and provide information about the two passages.
• Remember that the first group of questions is related to the first passage, the second group of questions is associated with the second passage, and the last group of questions is related to both passages as both are interrelated.
• Begin by reading the first passage and answering the first group of questions, and then move towards reading the second passage and answering the second group of questions, and so on.
• The first question might sometimes ask about the significant purpose of both passages.
• Be aware of the way in which both passages are alike but different.
• Watch out for options that might be suitable for one passage but not for the other.
• Look for the main point and the structure while reading both passages.
• Read all the given options to go for the best answer mentioned.
• Do not forget to use an elimination strategy.
• Make sure that the answer you select aligns well with the passages.
• Note the tone of each passage while reading.
• Benefit from the line numbers
• Make sure to use context to figure out the meaning of certain words, even if you are unfamiliar with them.

Ability Test

The critical reading section is crafted to test your capability to understand, interpret and analyze passages on multiple topics. The passages in each exam are from four areas: social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and narrative (nonfiction and fiction).

The most commonly asked questions are about:

• The meaning of the phrase or word in the passage
• The main point, idea, purpose or a possible title for the passage
• Information directly mentioned in the passage
• Information that is implied, assumed, suggested or inferred.
• Recognize the opinions or ideas of the author
• Evaluate the way in which the author creates and presents the passage
• Recognize the tone or style of the passage

Key Tips to Answer Such Questions:

• Ensure to answer all the questions for a single passage before proceeding to the next one. In case you are unaware of the answer, take a preferred guess or skip to the next one.
• If the passage comes with an introduction, read it carefully. It can be helpful in answering the questions correctly.
• Only use the information implied or given in the passage. Do not consider any points from the outside information, even if it aligns well with the provided information.

SAT Critical Reading Techniques: General Strategies

Some of the general strategies that you must follow while answering the questions of any kind of passage include:

Pre-read certain questions: You might be willing to skim certain questions by going through words that give you a hint about the answer you’re looking for when reading a passage. This method is extremely helpful when reading unfamiliar passages because you can implement it on different kinds of passages to see if it works well.

Elimination strategy: Whenever in doubt, implement the elimination strategy. Keep striking the answers if they are not at all relatable to the question, and go with the one that is left at the end.

Pace yourself: Do not stick to a single passage or a question. If facing difficulty with any question, either take the most relatable guess by using the elimination method or leave it blank and move on to the next passage or question.

Read all the given choices: At times, you won’t feel that the first option you read is the right answer to the question. However, read all the options given to make sure you choose the most suitable one.

Conclusion

Some of the most useful and valuable SAT critical reading techniques and strategies are discussed above, according to the different passages appearing in the exam. Make

Be sure to carefully read and implement these strategies to get the highest marks possible in your SAT critical reading section.

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