Overview
This lecture covers practical strategies to improve performance on the SAT Reading section, focusing on time management, eliminating wrong answers, and understanding passage content more effectively.
SAT Reading Execution Strategies
- Break reading questions into two blocks to stay focused: do questions 1-10, switch to grammar, then return for 11-14.
- Avoid starting from the beginning if it doesn't work for you; try different question orders.
Answer Elimination and Selection
- Look for three wrong answers to eliminate instead of searching for the one right answer.
- Use process of elimination because trap answers are common.
- Do not pick answers that are not directly supported by the text.
Reading Comprehension Techniques
- Match synonyms between the answer choices and the text for correct responses.
- Pay close attention to adverbs of degree (e.g., largely, partly, significantly) as they can change the answer's correctness.
- Use initials for difficult-to-pronounce names to maintain reading flow.
- Skip big words you don't know; context is usually enough.
- Pull out key words and phrases to simplify complicated passages.
Annotation and Time Management
- Annotate minimally, using symbols and shorthand, only when lost; use scrap paper instead of digital tools.
- If stuck, flag the passage and move on to avoid wasting time.
Handling Specific Passage Types
- For science passages, understand direct vs. indirect correlations, and positive vs. negative correlations.
- For poems or fiction, avoid answers that are overly literal; look for metaphorical or symbolic meanings.
- If unsure about the tone, use “positive or negative” to match answer choices to passage tone.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Adverbs of Degree — Words like "largely" or "partly" that qualify verbs and can change answer correctness.
- Direct Correlation — When one variable directly affects another (e.g., more sharks, fewer stingrays).
- Indirect Correlation — When a variable affects another through an intermediary (e.g., more sharks, fewer stingrays, more oysters).
- Positive Correlation — Both variables move in the same direction.
- Negative Correlation — Variables move in opposite directions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Consider attending the SAT Reading Crash Course or check the events page for additional SAT prep opportunities.
- Practice applying these strategies on sample SAT Reading passages.
- Reflect on your biggest SAT Reading challenge and seek targeted help.