SAT READING
GUIDE
SAT
READING
QUESTION
STRUCTURE
There are two modules in the SAT reading test. You will be given 32 minutes to
answer 27 multiple choice questions in each module (64 minutes total). After
module 1, you will be given a 10 minute break. All questions are multiple
choice. Since there is no penalty for incorrect answers, it is recommended to
select an answer in every question.
Module 1 (32 minutes) -> Break (10 minutes) -> Module 2 (32 minutes)
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SAT READING QUESTION
CATEGORIES
TYPES OF WRONG ANSWERS
Type #1: Extra Information or Slightly Off
Be a sleuth for extra details in answer choices that aren't backed up by
the passage. Even one unsupported descriptive word can make an
answer incorrect.
Sometimes, an answer will have two parts. If one part works and the
other part doesn't, you still need to eliminate it! Make sure you look at
both parts of the answer carefully and cross it out if you think
either part doesn’t fit.
Type #2: Opposite
Even if you don’t know the exact answer to the question, you will be
able to tell if relationships in the passage were reversed. These answer
choices can be tricky because if you’re reading quickly, you might
not catch that things are in the wrong order. That's why it’s so
important to double check your answers!
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TYPES OF WRONG ANSWERS
Type #3: Irrelevant or Concept Jumble
Irrelevant answers can be tricky because they prey on students’ tendency to overthink
the question and twist any choice into a plausible answer. If something seems
unrelated to what you read, it’s wrong. Don’t doubt yourself!
Similar to these are concept jumble answer choices, which create weird amalgams of
stuff you read in the passage but don’t actually say anything relevant to the
question. Again, if you’re going too fast these can be a problem for you. Never
choose an answer just because it contains key words.
Type #4: Plausible Interpretation
These ones can be tough to eliminate, especially if you’re used to viewing literature in
the context of English classes where many interpretations are valid. Again, you
should only rely on direct evidence to answer Reading questions.
Even if the answer seems like it could represent a valid perspective on the passage, if
it isn’t supported directly by the text, you need to eliminate it.
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You can detect incorrect answer choices by watching for:
• Answers that contain extra information or are slightly off
• Answers that represent the opposite of the relationship
described in the passage
• Answers that are irrelevant or are just a combination of
concepts found in the passage
• Answers that are plausible interpretations of the passage,
but are not supported by any direct evidence
As long as you remember that the correct answer must
restate something in the passage, you should be able to
eliminate three out of four answer choices on most Reading
questions and end up with a great score!
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What are "textual evidence" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will
introduce a claim about an unfamiliar subject. The question will then ask
you to identify the piece of evidence that most strongly supports that
claim.
How to approach textual evidence questions:
To solve a textual evidence question, consider following these steps:
TEXTUAL
EVIDENCE Step 1 - Identify the argument: Every textual evidence question, whether
scientific or literary, will introduce a central argument for the question. It
might be a research hypothesis, or it might be an interpretation of a literary
text, but either way it will be clearly stated. Your first job is to identify that
argument and draw it out from the text.
Step 2 - Create a test phrase: Once you've identified the argument you
want to support, you should rephrase that argument in the simplest terms
possible.
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Step 3: Test the choices: Read each choice while keeping your test phrase
QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE
What are "quantitative evidence" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will provide you with
a graph or table that presents information about an unfamiliar topic. The question
will then offer some context for that information and ask you to complete a sentence
by eff ectively using data from the graph or table.
Understanding the argument
Every quantitative evidence question will provide more information than we need.
One of the keys to successfully answering these questions is knowing what data to
look for, so we can avoid being distracted by all the extra details and find the answer
more quickly.
The way to do this is by carefully reading the prompt text. This paragraph will
provide the context we need to understand the data in the graph or table. This
paragraph will also outline the argument that our quantitative evidence must
support.
This argument is the most important part of the question. Whichever data we use to
complete the sentence must provide evidence in support of that argument. In other
words: it tells us what to look for.
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QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE
How to approach quantitative evidence questions
To solve a quantitative evidence question, follow these steps:
Step 1 - Skim the graph: You don't need to dig into the graph or table yet, as you
don't know what data to look for. However, it can still be useful to familiarize
yourself with what the graph or table contains. You can read the title, the labels,
the units, and the key. Those should give you a good idea of what the graph
contains without taking up too much of your time.
Step 2 - Read the paragraph: The text should be your main focus. It will tell you
what data to look for.
Sometimes, the text will explicitly direct you to a specific piece of information: a
certain time, place, or set of conditions that can be pinpointed within the graph or
table. In these cases, you can simply identify the correct information in the graph
or table and/or test the choices against the provided data. Other times, the text
will present a general argument, and you'll need to select data that backs up that
argument. The best thing to do here is to summarize the argument being made in
your own words. Then you can test that summary against each of the choices to
see which provides effective evidence. 9
QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE
How to approach quantitative evidence questions
Step 3 - Validate the choices: Analyze the possible answers and cross out any false
statements. You can simply compare the claim in the choice to the data in the graph.
If those things disagree, you can eliminate that choice.
Step 4 - Find the best evidence: Once you've validated the choices, you should have
eliminated any statements that are false according to the graph or table. This leaves
you with choices that are true, but that may not provide effective evidence for the
argument in the text.
Take your summary of the argument and test it against each remaining choice. Only
one choice will provide direct support for that argument. You can select this
choice with confi dence.
TIP: Use your finger/cursor
When you're looking at a graph or table that contains multiple data points, your eyes
can easily drift. Placing your finger or your cursor directly on the information you're
looking for can help you avoid silly mistakes due to looking in the wrong place. 10
CENTRAL IDEAS AND DETAILS
What are "central ideas and details" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will present a short
passage for you to read. The passage may be excerpted from a work of literature or
from a scholarly essay.
Once you read the passage, you'll be asked either to identify the main idea of the
text or to answer a specific question based on the text.
The main idea should
•cover a majority of the details introduced in the text.
•mention any particular points of emphasis from the text.
The main idea should not
•focus too intently on just one detail from the text.
•introduce new ideas not addressed within the text.
•contradict information from the text.
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CENTRAL IDEAS AND DETAILS
How to approach central ideas and details questions
To solve a central ideas and details question, consider following these steps:
Step 1 - Summarize the text in your own words: Don't just skim the passage.
Read it closely, and try to summarize the ideas you encounter in your own words.
By the time you finish reading, you should have a strong understanding of the
information contained in the passage.
Step 2 - Determine the task: The question that follows the passage will reveal
your task. Does it ask about the "main idea"? Or does it ask about a particular
piece of information?
Step 3 - Revisit the text: If the question is about the main idea, then revisit your
summary of the text to find the overarching theme.
If the question asks about something specific, then head to that section of the
passage to search out the correct detail.
Step 4 - Predict and eliminate: Based on your understanding of the passage, you
should be able to answer to the question fairly accurately without even looking at
the choices. Once you predict the answer in your own words, it should be pretty 12
easy to find a match among the choices. If you're still not sure, you can eliminate
INFERENCES
What are "inferences" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will provide an
unfinished passage that introduces information about an unfamiliar topic. Based
on that information, you'll be asked to select the choice that most logically
completes the text.
How should we think about inferences questions?
Inferences questions are all about how we connect information and ideas to create
arguments.
Some SAT preppers find it helpful to think about the components of the argument.
We can break arguments into two basic parts: premises and conclusions.
Premises are the facts on which an argument is based. When premises
are connected, they should provide strong evidence for the argument's
conclusion.
The conclusion is the heart of the argument. It's the overall claim that
the argument's author is trying to support.
Others prefer not to distinguish between premises and conclusions: we can also
think of the points and information in the text as simply "clues" to the blank. 13
INFERENCES
How to approach inferences questions
To solve an inferences question, consider following these steps:
Step 1 - Separate the text into bullet points: Everything you need to successfully
answer an inferences question is contained within the provided passage.
Therefore, to find the answer, you'll need to read closely and carefully consider
the information contained in the text.
A great way to do this is to take each idea in the passage and turn it into its own
bullet point. This will create a step by step progression for the argument being
made and allow you to see where any gaps might exist.
Step 2 - Examine the argument: Consider each piece of information offered in the
passage. Then consider how those pieces fit together. Do they add up to
something? What's the connection between them?
Each inferences question is like a mystery. Everything you need to solve that
mystery is provided for you. You just need to be a detective and piece the clues
together!
By the end of this step, you should have a solid understanding of the argument
being made. This should give you some idea of what might fit in the blank. At the 14
very least, you'll be better prepared to recognize what doesn't fit in the blank.
WORDS IN CONTEXT
What are "textual evidence" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will introduce a claim about
an unfamiliar subject. The question will then ask you to identify the piece of evidence
that most strongly supports that claim.
1. Understanding Context
• Read Carefully: Begin by thoroughly reading the text that surrounds the blank or the question
prompt. Understand the main idea and any supporting details provided.
• Identify Key Information: Look for specific clues within the text that define the context. This
could include descriptions, comparisons, examples, or statements that hint at the meaning
needed to fill the blank.
2. Identifying Restatement
• Look for Paraphrasing: Often, the text will restate its main idea or concept using different
words. This restatement helps in identifying the exact meaning required for the blank.
• Compare Statements: If the text provides a statement and then rephrases it in a subsequent
sentence, focus on how the meaning is maintained or altered in each instance. This 15
WORDS IN CONTEXT
3. Connotation
• Understand Emotional Tone: Words carry not only literal meanings but also
emotional associations (positive, negative, neutral). Consider the emotional tone
of the text to ensure the word chosen matches the intended sentiment.
• Eliminate Inappropriate Choices: If the text suggests a positive or negative
context, eliminate choices with conflicting connotations to narrow down the
correct answer.
Step-by-Step Approach
1. Summarize the Text: Before selecting a word, summarize the main idea or
argument of the text in your own words. This helps in clarifying what needs to be
conveyed by the word you choose.
2. Identify Key Words or Phrases: Locate words or phrases within the text that
closely resemble the meaning needed to fill the blank. These words serve as
anchors to guide your selection.
3. Match the Meaning Exactly: Choose the word that not only fits grammatically
but also reinforces the specific meaning intended by the text. Ensure that the
word enhances the coherence and clarity of the passage. 16
TEXT STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
What are "text structure and purpose" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will present a
short text for you to read. The question will then ask you to identify the main
purpose or overall structure of the text.
Understanding Text Structure and Purpose:
1. Purpose: This refers to why the author wrote the passage. It involves
identifying the author's goals and what they aim to achieve through their
writing. Common purposes include explaining, illustrating, criticizing, arguing,
or introducing concepts. Identifying the purpose helps you grasp what the
author wants readers to take away from the text.
2. Structure: This concerns how the passage is organized to fulfill its purpose.
It involves analyzing the flow of ideas, the sequence of arguments, and any
transitions or shifts in focus that help build the overall message. Understanding
the structure helps in seeing how different parts of the text work together to
support the author's intent.
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Approaching Text Structure and Purpose Questions:
• Step 1: Identify the Task: Determine whether the question asks about the
overall structure or the main purpose of the text. This distinction can guide
your reading and analysis.
• Step 2: Summarize the Text: Read the passage closely and summarize its
main ideas in your own words. This summary should capture the essence of
what the passage is trying to convey and how it progresses from start to
finish.
• Step 3: Test the Choices: Compare your summary with each provided
TEXT answer choice. Look for the choice that best aligns with your understanding
STRUCTURE of the passage's purpose or structure. Eliminate choices that introduce
AND irrelevant information or misinterpret the central focus of the text.
PURPOSE
Key Tips:
• Stay Specific: Focus on the main ideas directly addressed in the passage.
Eliminate choices that stray from the text's central themes or introduce new
information not supported by the text.
• Be Strict: Ensure that the selected choice accurately reflects both parts of
the text (if the question involves a two-part structure). Each part of the
answer should align closely with the text's content and intent.
• Utilize Transitions: Pay attention to transition words (e.g., however,
therefore) that signal shifts in the text's structure. These transitions often
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CROSS-TEXT CONNECTIONS
What are "cross-text connections" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will present two short
texts for you to read. The question will then ask you to compare the points of view of the
authors of the two texts.
Understanding Cross-text Connections:
1. Point of View: Each text in cross-text connections questions presents a viewpoint or
perspective. Your task is to identify and compare these viewpoints. In the example
provided, Text 1 discusses the theory that historical diversity influences ecological
community abundance, while Text 2 presents research findings by Carla Cáceres and
colleagues regarding zooplankton diversity in artificial pools.
2. Relationship Between Texts: After summarizing each text's main points and
identifying the viewpoints of the authors (or researchers), you need to determine how
these viewpoints relate to each other:
• Do the viewpoints agree or disagree?
• Does one viewpoint modify or refine the other?
• Are there nuances in each viewpoint that affect how they relate? 19
Approaching Cross-text Connections Questions:
• Step 1: Summarize the Texts: Read each text carefully and summarize
the main ideas presented. Pay particular attention to the viewpoints
expressed by the authors or researchers.
• Step 2: Determine the Relationship: Based on your summaries,
analyze how the viewpoints presented in each text interact:
• Are the viewpoints complementary?
CROSS-TEXT • Does one viewpoint provide evidence that supports or refutes the
CONNECTIONS other?
• Is there a synthesis or modification of viewpoints based on the
evidence presented in both texts?
• Step 3: Test the Choices: Compare your understanding of the
relationship between the texts with the answer choices provided. Choose
the option that best reflects the interaction between the viewpoints as
supported by the texts. Avoid choices that:
• Misinterpret the viewpoints presented.
• Make unsupported claims. 20
TRANSITIONS
What are "transitions" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will ask you to select
the most logical transition word or phrase to connect information and ideas within
a brief passage.
Types of Relationships and Transitions
1. Agreement or Disagreement:
1. Transitions like "similarly" indicate agreement between sentences.
2. Transitions like "however" signal disagreement or contrast.
2. Sequence and Order:
1. "Previously" or "next" are examples of transitions that organize ideas
chronologically or by position.
3. Addition and Exemplification:
1. "Furthermore" adds to a previous idea, while "for instance" provides an example.
4. Cause and Eff ect:
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1. Transitions like "therefore" show that one sentence is a consequence of another.
TRANSITIONS
Approach to Transitions Questions
1. Step 1: Summarize the Text:
1. Read the passage carefully and summarize its main idea in your own words.
2. Identify the relationship between the sentences where the transition will be placed.
2. Step 2: Identify the Relationship:
1. Determine how the ideas in the passage are connected: Are they in agreement, disagreement,
sequence, addition, or cause and effect?
2. This understanding helps in choosing the appropriate transition.
3. Step 3: Select the Correct Transition:
1. Choose the transition that best fits the relationship identified in Step 2.
2. Ensure the transition logically connects the sentences and maintains the coherence of the
passage.
Top Tips for Success
• Be Flexible: While you might expect a specific transition, the exact word may not be provided.
Look for alternatives that serve a similar function (e.g., using "on the other hand" if "however" is not
an option). 22
RHETORICAL SYNTHESIS
What are "rhetorical synthesis" questions?
On the Reading and Writing section of your SAT, some questions will provide you with a
series of bulleted notes that contain related information about an unfamiliar topic. The
question will then ask you to eff ectively use relevant information from the notes to
accomplish a particular goal.
Components of Rhetorical Synthesis Questions
[Link] Structure:
Every rhetorical synthesis question includes:
• An introduction setting up the context.
• Bulleted facts providing key information.
• A question prompt stating the goal to be accomplished.
• Answer choices offering possible solutions.
[Link] on the Goal:
• The key to answering these questions successfully is to start by understanding the
goal stated in the question prompt.
• This goal dictates what the correct answer choice needs to achieve, such as 23
RHETORICAL SYNTHESIS
How to Approach Rhetorical Synthesis Questions
Step 1: Identify the Goal:
1. Begin by carefully reading the question prompt to determine what the correct answer choice
should accomplish.
2. For instance, the goal might be to emphasize a similarity between two subjects mentioned in
the bulleted notes.
Step 2: Review the Bulleted Information:
3. Read through the bulleted notes, focusing on identifying information that is relevant to
achieving the goal stated in Step 1.
4. Look for specific details or similarities/differences that can be highlighted.
Step 3: Evaluate the Answer Choices:
5. Compare each answer choice against the goal and the information provided in the bulleted
notes.
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6. Eliminate choices that do not effectively accomplish the goal or misrepresent the information
What are "form, structure, and sense" questions?
On the SAT Reading and Writing Test, some questions will present you with
a short passage that contains a blank. The question will then ask you to
complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of
Standard English.
How to approach “form, structure, and sense” questions
Step 1- Investigate the blank: Read the text closely. What's missing
FORM, that the blank needs to provide? A noun phrase? A verb phrase?
Something else? Compare the choices. What changes from choice to
STRUCTURE, choice? Are verbs conjugated differently? Are different pronouns used?
AND SENSE Any patterns we can identify will be useful in the next step.
Step 2 - Find the focus Based on our observations: In the previous
step, we should be able to identify which Standard English convention(s)
is being tested. For example, if the main difference between the choices is
verb conjugation, we should be focused on avoid errors in verb forms and
in subject-verb agreement. If we can narrow our focus to just the
convention(s) being tested, we'll have less to think about. This can save
us both time and brainpower.
Step 3 - Eliminate the obvious errors: Now it's time to take a closer
look at the choices! Plug each choice into the blank, and read the passage
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through. Keeping in mind the focus grammar rules, eliminate any choice
BOUNDARIES
What are "boundaries" questions?
On the SAT Reading and Writing Test, some questions will present you with a short passage
that contains a blank. The question will then ask you to complete the text in a way
that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. Boundaries questions focus on
how phrases, clauses, and sentences are linked together in written English. They will focus
on linking clauses, supplements, and punctuation.
Because each question will focus on a specific convention of Standard English, it's a great
first step to identify which grammar rule is being tested.
Step 1 - Investigate the blank: Read the text closely. Where does the blank appear? Within
a sentence? Between clauses? Any patterns we can identify will be useful in the next step.
Step 2 - Find the focus: Based on our observations in the previous step, we should be able
to identify which Standard English convention is being tested. If we can narrow our focus to
the specific convention being tested, we'll have less to think about. This can save both time
and brainpower.
Step 3 - Eliminate the obvious errors: Now it's time to take a closer look at the choices!
Plug each choice into the blank, and read the passage through. Keeping in mind the
grammar rules we identified as the focus, eliminate any choice that creates an obvious
error. 26