Today, I’m tackling a topic many of you have requested: reading comprehension strategies for the SAT. It’s a section that often leaves students feeling stuck, but with the right approach, you can navigate it successfully. Let’s dive into some key strategies to help you ace this part of the test.
Understanding the Challenge
First off, let’s acknowledge the common struggles students face. Many feel their reading speed is too slow, leading to incomplete passages. Others understand the text but struggle with questions. The key, however, lies not in reading ability, but in strategy.
Reading the Questions First?
One debated tactic is reading the questions before the passage. For the ACT, this is generally not advised. Why? Because the questions are predictable and reading them first wastes time. For the SAT, it’s a bit different, but still, it’s often better to dive straight into the passage.
Time Management
Understanding the time structure of the exam is crucial. You have around 8 minutes and 45 seconds per passage on the ACT, and 13 minutes per passage on the SAT. Use this time wisely.
Reading the Passage
When it comes to actually reading the passage, different types require different approaches. The first passage, often prose fiction, requires an understanding of emotions and feelings. Characters’ feelings can dictate the correct answers.
Main Point and Tone
For other passages, focus on the main point and tone. Understanding how the author feels about certain topics is key. This helps in answering questions about the author’s opinion or in making inferences.
Answer Choices
One common struggle is differentiating between answer choices. They may seem similar, but there’s always a key difference. Look for that crucial word or phrase that sets the correct answer apart.
Global Questions
Global questions, like “What’s the main point?”, are tricky. Save these for last, as answering other questions first gives you a better understanding of the passage.
Final Tips
Understanding the timing, different types of passages, and focusing on individual words in questions and answers are key to improving your reading comprehension.
Mastering reading comprehension for the SAT and ACT takes practice and strategy. Prep better, prep harder, and success will follow. If you need more help with the SAT click here to schedule a free consultation with Nicholas LaPoma.