How to Improve my SAT Reading Score?

Reading is a skill, and like any skill, it can also improve with practice and the right techniques. The SAT test has two sat sections: (1) the Reading and Writing section, and (2) the Math section. Many of you might think that in order to SAT Reading score high on the Scholastic Assessment Test, one must be naturally well-versed in reading, but that’s not the reality. All it takes is working on the right strategies, identifying key ideas and eliminating tricky answer choices. This blog is going to be all about how you can improve your SAT Reading Score. 

SAT Reading Section Tips to Score High

To score high on the SAT Reading section, focus on the following key aspects: 

1. Know What to Expect

You will be given five passages from literature, history, social studies, and natural sciences, and you will have a total of 65 minutes to read them all. In this time, you will have to answer a total of 52 questions. The questions will be about determining the meaning of words in context, finding the main idea of the whole passage, deciding why an author included a detail, comparing two passages, or even pinpointing information on a graph.

2. Read What You Need

Only read what is needed and do not waste time reading every single word of the passage. Remember,  you have the passage right in front of you, and you can move back and forth between the passage to find your answers. Refrain from becoming an expert and focus on only what is needed instead of getting lost in the minute details.

3. Know How to Eliminate Wrong Answers

SATs have multiple-choice questions, which makes it easier for you to choose an answer from the four options smartly. 

Every wrong answer can be eliminated for its reasons. They may be completely unrelated to the question or would be too specific for what is required.

4. Identify the Weak Areas

The reading passage evaluates skills like:

• Vocabulary in context
• The main objective of the passage
• Authors note
• Details
• Inference
• Data interpretation
• Evidence support
• Multiple text  analysis

All these skills above require different strategic approaches to be tackled with. For instance, if you are good at identifying the main theme of the passage but not that efficient in interpreting data, you must not waste your time on what you already know. Instead, analyse the weak points. Notice where you make the most mistakes and practice those areas.

5. Take Advantage of Study Materials

Study materials are a treasure that can help you with your SAT reading score. The study materials help you in testing your capabilities. Whenever solving any question, try to understand the reason behind it, even if you get the right answer. If you marked the wrong answer, note down its reason too. This will help you identify where you lack. 

Always remember that if you want to improve your SAT score, reading from high-quality, realistic sources will be of great help. Practice makes a man perfect! 

6. Do not Give Your Opinions

One of the best SAT reading section tips is to keep your opinions to yourself. You must be thinking that giving opinions is a good thing, so why are we asking you not to give your opinion? In school, you are often requested to provide your opinion, but not on the SAT. Be vigilant when you see a question that contains words like suggest or imply. You might not find a straightforward answer in the passage. However, there will still be plenty of evidence that will help you spot the right answer.

7. Save Main Idea Questions for Last

In many passages, the first question will be about the overall theme or message of the passage. You shouldn’t be attempting such questions before because it’s obvious you haven’t read the entire passage yet. It is always recommended that the rest of the questions be answered first. By then, you will have a clear idea of what the entire passage is about, and you will be able to answer the overall theme questions efficiently.

conclusion

Now that you know the essential tips for scoring well, you must understand that great SAT scores don’t happen by chance. You need the right start, right plan and guidance. At Turito, we help you start early and become a master quicker. Choose us as your tutors for SAT preparations and get 80+ hours of live sessions and instant doubt clearing. That’s not all, but you will also get class recordings at your fingertips, weekly and fortnightly tests and personalized remedial sessions for better preparations. 

So why wait? Start your SAT preparations and turn your dreams into reality.

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