SAT Reading Critical Reading Passages

Types of Passages The passages are about 100 to 850 words long. Some are from a single source, and others consist of a pair of related passages on a shared issue or theme. One of the passages supports, opposes, or complements the other’s point of view. The passages vary in style and tone. They include narrative, persuasive, exposition, and/or literary elements. A set of questions follows each passage or pair of related passages.

Skills Addressed in the Reading You’ll be expected to answer the following for BOTH the long and short passages: Main Idea Attitude or Tone Specific Information Implied Information Themes and Arguments Technique Words in Context

CHART method (for long and short passages) C: chart the passage Read the italicized intro Circle any buzz words Skim the remaining paragraphs to get the main idea H: hello line reference! (go to the line mentioned in the question—read a sentence before and after the line for the prove-it phrase.) A: answer the flotsam (thinking questions: elements of fiction) R: rate the passage T: tenacity—focus, don’t zone out!

Essential Strategies: Tackling the Paired Reading Passage Paired RPs also require a slightly different passage-reading strategy. The SAT has been kind enough to organize the items in the following manner: Items concerned with the first passage only come first. These are followed by items concerned with the second passage only. Finally, at the end of the set you’ll find a few items that compare or contrast both passages.

Paired Reading Cont. A fairly obvious but very powerful strategy follows from this structure: Step 1: Read the italicized introduction. Step 2: Read and skim the first passage. Step 3: Skip immediately to the items concerned with the first passage only. Step 4: When you’ve finished these, go back and read the second passage. Step 5: Skip to the items associated with the second passage only. Step 6: If you have time, attempt the compare-and- contrast items.

Key Words and Phrases for Understanding the Questions When you see this… “according to the author” “according to the passage” “best” Remember that… Answer the question in terms of the statements, assumptions, or inferences that the writer is making, even if you disagree with what the writer has said. It’s meant to see if you understand what the writer has written. An important word in test questions because it asks you to find the most suitable or most acceptable of the choices. Don’t just pick a “good” answer, find the “best” one.

Key Words and Phrases for Understanding the Questions When you see this… “chiefly” “except” “(the author implies)” “(it can be) inferred” “(the author) suggests” “least” Remember that… This means “above the rest,” “mostly,” “mainly, but not exclusively.” When you see chiefly, you will probably be looking for the most central element or most important explanation of something. A question with except usually asks you to identify words or phrases that don’t belong with the other choices. These terms ask you to come to a conclusion that is suggested by the info in the passage but not directly stated by the author. Opposite of most.

Key Words and Phrases for Understanding the Questions When you see this… “mainly” “most” “only” “primarily” Remember that… Most important, or chiefly. Frequently used as a qualifier, as in most likely, most frequently, most reasonable. A qualifier recognizes that there are exceptions to most situations and tries to allow for those exceptions. Only means “just the one.” For example, “This is the only…for me.” It also can indicate a restriction, as in “You can go only after you wash the car.” Most important or chiefly.

And NOW….. Some Practice! ! !