Master SAT Reading: Critical Thinking Strategies That Work

In this blog post, we dive into key reading comprehension strategies that will help boost your performance on the SAT and any exam that measures your critical reading skills. These are the exact techniques used by educators to help students work efficiently, think like test makers, and avoid common pitfalls.

Start With the Question First

One of the most effective ways to approach reading comprehension passages is to start with the question, not the passage. This technique gives you a clear goal and keeps you focused on what you need to find.

For example, if the question asks for the main idea or central message, go straight to the last sentence or two of the passage. Often, the concluding sentences offer a summary or resolution that directly supports the main idea.

Think Like a Test Maker

Understanding how test questions are crafted can make a big difference. The test maker will often include distractors—plausible but incorrect answers—to catch students who read too quickly or miss key details.

Here’s how to counter that:

• Watch for strong language like “always,” “never,” or “unproven.” These can often signal incorrect answers.
• Eliminate answers based on one or two keywords.
• Choose answers that are supported directly by the text, even if they don’t seem like the most exciting option.

Be Strategic With Your Time

Not all passages require the same approach. For short prose passages, it may be faster to skim the ending and answer the question right away. For poems or complex texts, especially those with abstract or symbolic language, it’s usually better to read the whole thing.

Text Two Questions

The SAT often includes paired passages. These require you to compare tone, purpose, or point of view.

Here’s how to win with these:

1. Read the question first to know what to look for.
2. Skim the last sentence of each passage for tone clues.
3. Be alert to contrasts—does one author sound hopeful and the other cautious? That contrast will often lead you to the right answer.

Reading comprehension doesn’t have to be a linear process. By mastering these techniques, you’ll gain a major advantage and walk into your exam with confidence.

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