Overview
This lecture focused on strategies for answering SAT reading and grammar questions, including supporting claims, paired passages, and sentence function questions. It also emphasized the importance of vocabulary and daily English reading for test success.
SAT Question Types & Strategies
- SAT reading questions often focus on verbs, pronouns, possessives, and sentence structure.
- Supporting claims questions are either general (good evidence overall) or specific (matching particular details from the text).
- For supporting claims, prioritize answers that focus on the quality and relevance of evidence, avoiding answers with unrelated information.
- In questions specifying “archaeological evidence” or other types, select answers that directly match the evidence type requested.
- Quantifiable, scientific data is usually stronger than testimonials or anecdotes.
Paired Passages
- Paired passage questions require comparing or contrasting two short texts to find relationships or responses.
- Key strategy: Read only what you need—identify main ideas and perspectives from each passage.
- Avoid confusing which author is referenced in the question; focus on who is responding to whom.
- Watch for words signaling agreement/disagreement (e.g., "excessively") to determine relationships.
- Answers with absolutes ("always," "never," "completely") are often incorrect.
Sentence Function Questions
- These questions ask for the purpose of an underlined sentence within a paragraph.
- Strategy: Read the underlined sentence plus the preceding and following sentences.
- Common answer types include: identifying a problem, providing an example, clarifying a concept, or giving evidence.
- Restate the sentence’s role in your own words before choosing an answer.
Vocabulary & Reading Practice
- Regular vocabulary practice is important; SAT includes challenging words (use online decks for practice).
- Daily English reading (stories, articles, books) improves reading speed, comprehension, and understanding of paragraph structure.
- Recognizing paragraph structure and main ideas helps answer SAT questions faster.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Supporting Claims — Questions about evidence that supports a point or argument.
- Paired Passages — Two texts presented to compare, contrast, or interpret together.
- Sentence Function — The purpose or role a sentence plays within a larger text.
- Quantifiable Data — Measurable, numerical evidence preferred in scientific contexts.
- Absolute Answers — Responses with words like “all,” “never,” or “completely”; usually incorrect.
- Vocabulary Practice — Routine exercises to strengthen knowledge of SAT-level words.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the short story "The End of Something" and be ready for SAT-style questions on it.
- Continue daily English reading to improve speed and comprehension.
- Practice vocabulary using recommended online decks.
- Review grammar and supporting claims practice sets in the provided materials folder.
- No class on Friday due to holidays; next class is Monday.