SAT Reading Strategies

 1. Active Reading

Active reading is a critical approach to SAT Reading passages. It involves thoroughly engaging with the text, highlighting keywords, summarizing sections in your mind, and questioning the content as you go along.

 2. Understand the Passage Structure

Knowing the structure of a passage can greatly simplify comprehension. Look for shifts in tone, changes in topic, or other signs that indicate the structure. This helps you comprehend the main idea, author’s purpose, and the passage’s overall flow.

 3. Don’t Skip Around

It’s usually best to tackle the questions in order. While some people advocate for answering “easier” questions first, this strategy can lead to confusion and wasted time as you flip back and forth between the passage and the questions.

 4. Use Process of Elimination

In SAT Reading questions, it’s often easier to identify wrong answers than the correct one. Use the process of elimination to rule out incorrect options, which can simplify your decision when you’re torn between two choices.

 5. Answer the Questions Based on the Passage

The SAT Reading section tests your ability to interpret and analyze passages, not your prior knowledge. Ensure your answers are always based on information directly from the passage, not your own preconceived notions or beliefs.

 6. Practice,.

The old adage “practice makes perfect” holds especially true for the SAT Reading section. Regularly practice with real SAT Reading passages to get familiar with the question types, passage formats, and time constraints.

Applying these strategies to your SAT Reading preparation will enable you to approach the test confidently and boost your performance significantly.