1. SAT 2 Passage Based Strategies
Short, Long, and Paired Passage Strategies

2. All Passages Include fiction and nonfiction Topics include
Majority will be nonfiction
Topics include
Natural science: scientific discovery, theory, or controversy
Social studies: history, politics, economics
Humanities: artist, music, philosophy
But don’t worry: You are not expected to draw from outside knowledge. Everything you need to know will be in the passages themselves.

3. Types of Questions Vocabulary in context Extended Reasoning
However: the vocabulary is going to fit in the context of the passage
Not stand alone
Extended Reasoning
Ask you to draw conclusions from or evaluate info from passage
Ask about overall theme, message, purpose, attitude, sometimes even “tone” of the writer
Include words like “probably, apparently, seems, suggests, the author implies”

4. Continued…. Literal comprehension
Information that is DIRECTLY presented from the text
Example: Find the place in the text where a particular detail is discussed.
“line 1, 2, or 3”
Recognize different interpretations of the same fact or idea

5. Facts, Assumptions, and inferences
Statements known to be true
A foot has 12 inches
Assumptions
Suppositions or propositions that author makes to reach their conclusions
Not proven fact
“According to the author...”
Inferences
Conclusions you reach based on what has been said in a passage
This requires you to read between the lines

6. Short Long Paired Passages Types of Passages Two passages
words
Approximately 2-3 questions
Long
words
Approximately 8-13 questions
Paired Passages
Two passages
Require you to make connections

7. Short Passages Remember: there are only 2 or 3.
Key Strategy: Read the questions FIRST
Remember: there are only 2 or 3.
Why?
Keep the questions in mind while you read
Know what you are looking for
Given line references, so you know WHERE to look

8. Short Reading: Problem set 4
Lets Practice!
Short Reading: Problem set 4
Read the questions!
What are you looking for when you read the passage?

9. Long Passages Do NOT want to use the same strategy as Short passages
WHY?
With 8-13 questions it is more difficult to remember what to look for
Too time consuming
Key Strategy: Taking Notes/Concept Maps
Underlining the main points
Track the main idea throughout

10. Practice Passage 1 Lets Practice!
Read the Blurb (Words in italics above the prompt)
Underline the main point
Circle/take notes in the margins of other KEY words/info that relates to the main point

11. Paired Passages There are short paired passages
Given 2 passages
Different aspects of the same topic
Two opinions
Asked to compare or relate them to one another
There are short paired passages
You may want to skim the questions first
There are long paired passages
Remember to take notes

12. Paired Passage Strategies
Key Strategy: “chunking”
Read Passage 1
Find and answer questions about Passage 1.
Read Passage 2
Find and answer questions about Passage 2.
Lastly, answer questions about BOTH.
Questions regarding both passages will always be last.

13. Why is this strategy helpful?
You don’t have to try to remember the differences between the two passages.
If you take notes, the differences will be more clear
You are “chunking” the information
Receive info from Passage 1
Answer questions for Passage 1
Don’t risk confusing the two passages
Implement strategies you already know
For short or long passages

14. Practice Passage 7 Lets Practice! Read Passage 1 Read Passage 2
Find and answer questions about passage 1
Read Passage 2
Find and answer questions about passage 2
Answer questions about BOTH passages last