Critical Reading Section of the SAT

1. Critical Reading Section of the SAT

2. Basic facts • 1/3 of the questions are sentence completion questions. Always work on these first because they take less time to answer.

3. Strategies for Sentence Completion Section 1. Read the sentence for clue words • But, although, however, on the other hand • Anticipate your answer – Guess first. • Compare your prediction with the choices – Is the exact word or a synonym there. • Read the sentence ( in your head) inserting your answer choice.

4. Sentence Completion Section • Only part of the English SAT that is arranged from easy to hard!

5. Sentence Completion continued • 2 types of questions Vocabulary in context – one blank and two blank Ravens appear to behave ________, actively helping one another to find food. • Mysteriously • Warily • Aggressively • Cooperatively • defensively

6. Answer • D • The info after the comma restates and defines the missing word. You are told that ravens actively help one another. Only one word from your choices matches with this definition.

7. Sentence Completion continued Logic based questions - know words, understand the context, and use logic After observing several vicious territorial fights, Jane Goodall had to revise her earlier opinion that these particular primates were _______ animals. • Ignorant • Inquisitive • Responsive • Cruel • peaceful

8. Answer E You must follow the logic of this sentence. A few key words help. “After” helps you look for order of events, “revise” tells you that something is going to change. Also, the end of the sentence tells you what is changing.

9. Sentence completion continued • Watch out for negatives Should not – no – never

10. Sentence completion continued • Use your parts of speech Do you need a verb to finish the sentence? A noun?

11. Passage based reading • Passages range from 100-850 words • Some selections are from a single source other pair sources • Passages cover topics in humanities, social studies, natural sciences, and literary fiction • Passages vary in style and tone and may include narrative, persuasive, expository, or literary elements

12. Strategies for passage based reading • Mark the passages or make short notes as you read. • Use your knowledge and experience carefully • Read actively • If you are having a hard time with a passage, read the questions and go back to the passage.

13. Types of questions • Extended reasoning questions – Draw conclusions from or evaluate the passage. The answer may not be directly stated in the passage • Key words: probably, apparently, seems, suggests, it can be inferred, the author implies

14. Types of questions • Facts-Statement known to be true • Assumption- A statement the author makes from his or her point of view • Inference- Conclusions the reader makes based upon the provided information.

15. Types of questions • Vocabulary in context- Look at how the word is used in the passage.

16. Types of questions • Literal Comprehension-Show understanding of information taken directly from the passage

17. Types of questions • Compare/Contrast – Examine themes or topics presented in both articles • Key words – best, chiefly, except, least, mainly, most, only, primarily

18. Quick tips • The answers come from what you read • Every word counts • Read the questions and answer carefully • The answer choice can be correct but not a true statement • Make sure the passage supports your answer • Try to eliminate incorrect choices • Don’t jump from passage to passage