SAT Reading Master Class Lecture Notes

Introduction

• SAT Reading is challenging for many students, not due to lack of intelligence, but due to unawareness of how to approach the test effectively.
• The master class provides strategies to improve reading speed, find answers quickly, and avoid SAT traps.

Strategies for Vocabulary Questions

• Five Methods Without Memorizing:
  • Learn tricks used by top scorers.
  • Use double negatives by flipping them (e.g., "not uncommon" becomes "common").
  • Predict possible words before looking at answer choices to match the prediction.
  • Use prefixes as clues to decode unfamiliar words (e.g., "subterranean" means under the earth).
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers to improve chances.

Common Mistakes

• Avoid choosing sophisticated words just for their appearance.
• Consider the tone of the sentence to avoid mismatches.
• Trust instincts; avoid overthinking.

Inference Questions

• Practice different difficulty levels: easy, medium, hard.
• Example questions are provided with explanations for inference skills.
• Key takeaway: physical touch increases perceived value.

Approach to Questions

• Main Idea Questions:
  • Identify the general topic first.
  • Consider contrast, arguments, or positioning in the text.
  • Avoid traps by not being misled by words just because they appear in the passage.

Reading Strategies

• One Strategy for All Questions:
  • Read the question first.
  • Identify the question type.
  • Read the passage carefully.
  • Predict and select the right choice.

Practice and Tips

• Solve easier questions to warm up before tackling harder ones.
• Prioritize understanding and summarizing passages.
• Use context and eliminate wrong choices by recognizing irrelevant or extreme answers.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Main Purpose vs. Main Idea:
  • Understand the distinction; main purpose is not the same as main idea.
  • Practice recognizing the purpose through examples.

Function and Quotation Questions

• Identify the function of specific sentences within a passage.
• Analyze quotations in context to support claims or arguments.

Support and Weaken Questions

• Look for direct evidence supporting trends or conclusions.
• Consider opposing viewpoints and evidence.

Text Completion and Diverse Question Types

• Practice completing texts with predictions and understanding context.
• Explore different SAT reading question types to enhance comprehension skills.

Final Thoughts

• Mastery of SAT Reading requires practice, understanding of strategies, and awareness of common traps.
• Use provided examples and explanations to improve analytical skills for SAT Reading success.