Overview
This lecture walks through logical approaches to solving seven of the hardest Digital SAT Reading questions, emphasizing reasoning strategies over memorizing answers.
Approach to Hard SAT Reading Questions
- Focus on understanding the question type before reading the passage.
- Use transitional words and context to identify what information is needed.
- Predict the answer before reviewing the choices.
- Eliminate answer choices that don’t precisely fit the question's logic or evidence.
Example 1: Data Analysis in Passages
- Identify what "this" in a statement refers to—usually a previously described trend or comparison.
- The correct answer should illustrate key differences or similarities emphasized in the passage.
- Use the data table only as far as it supports or disproves your predictions.
Example 2: Analyzing Sentence Function
- When asked about an underlined sentence’s function, read surrounding context for relationships.
- The correct answer typically illustrates or expands on an idea introduced earlier in the text.
Example 3: Logical Completion
- Focus on contrast words like “however” to spot shifts in argument or findings.
- The answer should highlight exceptions or challenges to previous general statements.
Example 4: Weaken the Claim
- Find the claim in the passage, often in the opening.
- The answer that most directly contradicts or undermines the claim (via evidence or comparison) is correct.
Example 5: Determining Main Purpose
- Read for the speaker’s stated motivation and tone.
- The correct answer summarizes the primary purpose, not just details or side-points.
Example 6: Using Data Tables for Support
- Understand the specific suggestion or hypothesis that needs support.
- The correct answer should describe how different methods or data points yield different results, as shown in the table.
Example 7: Experiment Results and Expectations
- Figure out what outcome the experimenter expected.
- The correct answer will present a surprising or counterintuitive result, supported by data.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Carotenoids — Pigmented molecules in bird food that help color feathers and indicate health.
- Honest Signal — A trait that reliably indicates fitness to others (e.g., vibrant feather color).
- Methodology — The process or techniques used in a scientific study or measurement.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice predicting answers before reviewing choices.
- Review how transitional words shift meaning and expectation in passages.
- Attempt similar high-difficulty SAT reading questions for further practice.