SAT Reading* Miss Amorin SAT Prep

SAT- Reading* There are FIVE total reading passages which total to 52 multiple choice questions. Each reading passage has 10-11 multiple choice quest. Students should spend about 1-1 ½ mins. On each quest. The overall reading section is 65 minutes. Reading section is worth 400 pts. of Language Arts section of SAT. Each letter answer choice (A-D) appears approximately the same amount of times throughout the section. ¼ of each letter on all sections. Note: WRITE in passages on SAT. Mark notes/quest. #s.

READING Section of the SAT Three main types of reading selections: Long passages Long passages with chart/graph Double passages Types of reading passages vary: Genre (telling a story or experience) Purpose (convinces readers to believe something) Subject (U.S./ world literature/ history/ social studies/science)

Steps for READING Comp: 1. Read blurb (background info.-italics) 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading) 4. Predict correct answer 5. POE (process of elimination)

Why do we read the blurb? Step 1: Read background info. (italics at top) It tells us what the passage will generally be about. It helps answer “main idea” multiple choice questions.

Step 2: “TYPES” of Questions Main idea (general quest.) Tone/Attitude Specific detail (evidence questions- line # ref.) Vocabulary Purpose/idea (Author’s position- POV) Paired questions Assignment: Complete “types” of questions exercise on pg. 23 in SAT Course Workbook-“Step 2: Select and Understand a Question” (as a class) THEN- Complete “Identify Question TYPES” on pgs. 35-36 independently.

“TRAP” Questions-- Identifying “traps” in multiple choice questions: Step 2 Identifying “traps” in multiple choice questions: Mostly right/slightly wrong- Even if 95% of the answer choice is right (or exactly what you’re looking for), if there’s one wrong word, eliminate that answer choice. The entire answer must be supported by the text. Could be true- When you get down to both seemingly logical answer choices, you’ll have to point to actual words in the text that supports keeping or eliminating an answer. Deceptive language- Read thoroughly because some words in the question or answer can throw off what the question is actually asking.

Step 2 Examples of different TRAP Questions Pgs. 44-46- SAT Course Workbook Step 2 Examples of different TRAP Questions Mostly right/slightly wrong- Even if 95% of the answer choice is right (or exactly what you’re looking for), if there’s one wrong word, eliminate that answer choice. The entire answer must be supported by the text. Could be true- When you get down to both seemingly logical answer choices, you’ll have to point to actual words in the text that supports the question to decide to keep or eliminate an answer. Deceptive language- Read thoroughly because some words in the question or answer can throw off what the question is actually asking. The author mentions the albino mouse and the gray house mouse lines 67-69 primarily in order to A) B) indicate that most types of rodents possess relatively little physical strength C) D) contrast the dancing mouse’s strength with that of other species or rodents _______________________________________________ The passage suggests that which of the following common assumptions about Japanese dancing mice may be incorrect? B) Dancing mice are generally weak and feeble D) Dancing mice occasionally perform in small groups, but they more often dance alone

“TRAP” Questions Step 2 Assignment: Complete the practice “Trap” Question Exercise on pgs.48-51 in the SAT Course Workbook. Directions (classwork): - Identify the “trap” answer. - Explain why it’s a trap (key words).

SAT- Reading Passages Question “Types” Exercise #2 w/ trap Directions (in pairs): Read Time article, South Dakota Could Pass ‘Bathroom Bill’ Affecting Transgender Students Create two A-D multiple choice questions based on content in article (in SAT format). Identify “type” of question. Main idea Tone Vocabulary Specific detail Author’s purpose (POV) Paired Include a “trap” answer/question in one of the responses and highlight. Select your correct answer. Submit.

How to tackle PAIRED Questions Some questions are followed by a paired question which means you have to apply evidence from the text to answer the paired question (which relate to the previous question) Sounds complicated, right? Well there’s a strategy to help answer paired questions---- Eliminate answers that do NOT relate to the answer to the previous question. Find EVIDENCE in the text that supports the answer to the previous question. See chart on next slide

PAIRED Questions Example-- 1.) In the passage, Darrow draws a distinction between A. actions that are illegal and actions that are morally wrong. B. the opinions of legislators and the rituals of organized society. C. Criminals and individuals who are inherently virtuous. D. personal responsibility and responsibility imposed by religious doctrine. 2.) Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? A. Lines 3-7 (“A large...virtuous”) B. Lines 26-29 (“Legislators … and die”) C. Lines 39-42 (“Judging from … evil”) D. Lines 60-63 (“Then, too … construction”) Tip: See which answer choices for both questions match- use POE. Correct answer is A.

PAIRED Questions cont… Example approach- 1.) In the passage, Darrow draws a distinction between *A. actions that are illegal and actions that are morally wrong. B. the opinions of legislators and the rituals of organized society. C. Criminals and individuals who are inherently virtuous. D. personal responsibility and responsibility imposed by religious doctrine. 2.) Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? A. Lines 3-7 (“A large...virtuous”) B. Lines 26-29 (“Legislators … and die”) *C. Lines 39-42 (“Judging from … evil”) D. Lines 60-63 (“Then, too … construction”) Tip: See which answer choices for both questions match- use POE. #2 Paired Question= Answer C- evidence supports A in question #1

Step 3: READ only what you NEED Reading Passage STRATS. Step 3: READ only what you NEED Do not begin tackling the reading passage by reading it beginning to end- not needed! Save yourself the TIME by not reading unnecessary information. READ ONLY what pertains to the question. It is recommended that students read the line before and after the line # that is referenced in the question (especially for vocabulary questions).

Steps 4 & 5: Predicting an Answer and Applying POE When reading the line #s referenced in the passage from the questions, keep these tips in mind: Write on test- cross things out and circle key words. Use POE Consider the words like “suggest, imply, & infer” in the question. Look for direct evidence in the passage for the answer

Steps 4 & 5: Additional Tips for Selecting an ANSWER Choice Look for direct evidence in the passage. Evidence should “imply” the answer, not necessarily be written verbatim in the answer choice. Be careful with answer choices that are “mostly right”- that makes that answer choice WRONG! One word can make the answer choice wrong If extreme language is used, it’s usually a wrong answer choice. Answers that are “too general” (for specific detail questions) are often wrong as well.

Reading Passage Practice #1: Complete Reading Passage Practice Packet #1 on pages 452-454 (College Board book) . Complete Questions #1-10. USE strategies!!!!! Write on packet. Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

Reading Passage Practice #2: Group vs. Group (winning group wins prize!) Complete Reading Passage Practice Packet #2 on pages 461-463 (College Board book) . Complete Questions #33-42. Identify “question types” Apply strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED (in most cases)** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

Reading Practice: Complete Reading DRILL on page 34-36 in SAT Course Workbook. Complete Questions #1-11. USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

Reading Passages w/ chart Quantitative information (charts/graphs) in passage.

Reading Passages w/ chart In the history or science passages, there may also be tables, charts, or graphs that relate to the passage. You will be asked to analyze the information in the graph, either on its own or in relation to the context of the passage. Read ALL the content surrounding the chart to assist with answering questions..

Reading Passages w/ chart Example question: When President Nixon gave his State of the Union address in 1970, he discussed his plan for presenting a balanced budget. Based on the graph, what can you infer about this plan? A. By cutting more than $7 billion in spending, the Nixon administration was able to produce a surplus for the first time since 1930. B. Despite the plans he outlined in this speech, Nixon was unable to balance the U.S. budget in 1970. C. Nixon’s spending strategy ensured that the U.S. never again had a budget deficit. D. Increasing the budget for local law enforcement had long-term negative impacts on the U.S. budget. Correct Answer = B*

Reading Passage w/ CHART: Complete Reading Passage Practice w/ chart on pages 30-32 (SAT College VERBAL book- Women’s suffrage) . Complete Questions #21-31. Identify “question types” USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

Reading Passage w/ CHART: Complete Reading Passage Practice w/ chart on pages 18-20 (SAT College VERBAL book- President Nixon) . Complete Questions #21-31. Identify “question types” USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

Reading Passage w/ CHART: Complete Reading Passage Practice w/ chart on pages 464-466 (Packet- SAT CollegeBoard book- underwater waves topic) . Complete Questions #43-52. Identify “question types” USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: 1. Read blurb (background info.). 2. Select and understand types of QUESTIONS. 3. READ only what you NEED** (questions are in chronological order for reading). 4. Predict correct answer. 5. POE (process of elimination).

*DOUBLE Passages Note: Passages are longer than how they appear in image.

DOUBLE Passages Some passages contain TWO reading selections labeled “Passage 1” and “Passage 2” The passages are on a similar topic from two different perspectives. Questions: The first few questions pertain to Passage #1 only. Other questions pertain to Passage #2. The last few questions usually compare/contrast passages 1 & 2

DOUBLE Passage STRATEGIES** Read blurb Review questions (first few questions) “types” READ Passage #1 ONLY!! Answer QUESTIONS that pertain to Passage #1 only Read Passage #2 Complete rest of questions Passage #2 Questions Compare/contrast Questions (*challenges)

DOUBLE Reading Passages Complete DOUBLE Reading Passage Practice on pages 458-460 (Packet- SAT CollegeBoard book- web topic) . Complete Questions #22-32. Identify question “types” USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: Read blurb Review questions (first few questions) “types” READ Passage #1 ONLY!! Answer QUESTIONS that pertain to Passage #1 only Read Passage #2 Complete rest of questions Passage #2 Questions Compare/contrast Questions (*challenges)

DOUBLE Reading Passages Complete DOUBLE Reading Passage Practice on pages 572-574 (Packet- SAT CollegeBoard book- women’s rights) . Complete Questions #31-41. Identify question “types” USE strategies!!!!! Reading Passage STRATEGIES: Read blurb Review questions (first few questions) “types” READ Passage #1 ONLY!! Answer QUESTIONS that pertain to Passage #1 only Read Passage #2 Complete rest of questions Passage #2 Questions Compare/contrast Questions (*challenges)