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SAT Critical Reading - The Reading Passages
USINFO | 2014-01-03 14:41
The reading passages can be the most challenging part of the SAT Test for many students. The subjects can be, well, a little dry. The longer passages can be difficult to get through and may use challenging language. The questions are often tricky.
But don't be scared! With a few basic techniques, and a keen eye, the reading passages can be defeated. Read on to discover how you should tackle a reading passage.
The Critical Reading Passages and Questions
Some of the Critical Reading Passages will be short, others will be long. You will have at least one reading passage which is actually two different reading selections, by two different authors, both written about a related topic. These two passages could have contrasting points of view or fairly similar points of view. It will be your job to spot the similarities and differences between them. This can be the most challenging section of the SAT.
Tone is the author's attitude. Mood is the feeling the reader gets from the piece.
The reading passages will be mostly non-fiction, often snippets of biographies, character studies, and segments of science or social studies texts. You will also have at least one fiction piece.
Critical Reading questions vary from vocabulary "in context" questions to overall "theme" questions. The test will also ask you about tone and mood, or ask you to make assumptions. You will need to use the information in the text to answer all these questions. As with other SAT sections, if the question is going to take an exorbitant amount of time, skip it. You can always try to answer it at the end of the section, if you have time.
The Plan of Attack - SAT Critical Reading
If you are seeking success on the SAT reading passages, follow these steps:
1. Read the questions first.
Especially on the long reading passages, read the questions first. It will focus you on WHAT YOU NEED TO BE LOOKING FOR when you read the passage. It may seem time consuming, but this step helps improve the performance of just about everyone who tries it. You'll find that it helps tremendously.
2. Scan the passage.
Scan means "read quickly, while skimming over details." Don't zone out. Read the passage with interest. Really try to understand the MESSAGE the author is trying to convey. But do not get bogged down in details. Let your eyes slide over the details for now.
3. Stop and answer questions.
Watch out for the words "Except" and "Least" and "Not" in the Critical Reading Questions. Put a star by them so you don't forget.
Since you already read the questions, you know what answers you need to find. If you do come across an answer to one of the questions, stop and fill in the answer. Then, go back to your reading. Don't worry about answering every question in order. The SAT doesn't work like that.
4. Name that theme.
This is especially helpful in non-fiction reading pieces, but can also be used in fiction. Just think about what the author is trying to say and then jot it down. For example, if you are reading an article that is discussing arguments in favor of immigration reform, state in a few words just what the article is trying to convey. For example, "amnesty will aid immigrants AND America." These few words will help you to keep a clear head when it comes time to answer the questions.
If you are reading the passage which contains two selections, make sure you spot the theme for each of the passages.
5. Now, tackle the questions.
You should already have a few answered. You just need to finish the remaining questions. If the question gives you a line number, go to that line. You may need to search backward a few sentences or forward a few sentences to find your answer. But the answer is there.
But don't be scared! With a few basic techniques, and a keen eye, the reading passages can be defeated. Read on to discover how you should tackle a reading passage.
The Critical Reading Passages and Questions
Some of the Critical Reading Passages will be short, others will be long. You will have at least one reading passage which is actually two different reading selections, by two different authors, both written about a related topic. These two passages could have contrasting points of view or fairly similar points of view. It will be your job to spot the similarities and differences between them. This can be the most challenging section of the SAT.
Tone is the author's attitude. Mood is the feeling the reader gets from the piece.
The reading passages will be mostly non-fiction, often snippets of biographies, character studies, and segments of science or social studies texts. You will also have at least one fiction piece.
Critical Reading questions vary from vocabulary "in context" questions to overall "theme" questions. The test will also ask you about tone and mood, or ask you to make assumptions. You will need to use the information in the text to answer all these questions. As with other SAT sections, if the question is going to take an exorbitant amount of time, skip it. You can always try to answer it at the end of the section, if you have time.
The Plan of Attack - SAT Critical Reading
If you are seeking success on the SAT reading passages, follow these steps:
1. Read the questions first.
Especially on the long reading passages, read the questions first. It will focus you on WHAT YOU NEED TO BE LOOKING FOR when you read the passage. It may seem time consuming, but this step helps improve the performance of just about everyone who tries it. You'll find that it helps tremendously.
2. Scan the passage.
Scan means "read quickly, while skimming over details." Don't zone out. Read the passage with interest. Really try to understand the MESSAGE the author is trying to convey. But do not get bogged down in details. Let your eyes slide over the details for now.
3. Stop and answer questions.
Watch out for the words "Except" and "Least" and "Not" in the Critical Reading Questions. Put a star by them so you don't forget.
Since you already read the questions, you know what answers you need to find. If you do come across an answer to one of the questions, stop and fill in the answer. Then, go back to your reading. Don't worry about answering every question in order. The SAT doesn't work like that.
4. Name that theme.
This is especially helpful in non-fiction reading pieces, but can also be used in fiction. Just think about what the author is trying to say and then jot it down. For example, if you are reading an article that is discussing arguments in favor of immigration reform, state in a few words just what the article is trying to convey. For example, "amnesty will aid immigrants AND America." These few words will help you to keep a clear head when it comes time to answer the questions.
If you are reading the passage which contains two selections, make sure you spot the theme for each of the passages.
5. Now, tackle the questions.
You should already have a few answered. You just need to finish the remaining questions. If the question gives you a line number, go to that line. You may need to search backward a few sentences or forward a few sentences to find your answer. But the answer is there.
