SAT Critical Reading

A comprehensive guide to mastering the SAT Critical Reading section, focusing on reading comprehension, vocabulary, inference, and test strategies.

Understanding Passage TypesActive Reading SkillsVocabulary in Context
Inference and EvidenceUnderstanding Author’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Arguments and Rhetoric
Applying Critical Reading to News and MediaEffective Note-taking for Study and LifeReading Comprehension at Work
Time Management on Test DayElimination TechniquesReading the Questions First
Understanding Passag...Active Reading Skill...Vocabulary in Contex...Inference and Eviden...Understanding Author...Analyzing Arguments ...Applying Critical Re...Effective Note-takin...Reading Comprehensio...Time Management on T...Elimination Techniqu...Reading the Question...
Basic Concepts

Active Reading Skills

Boost Your Comprehension with Active Reading

Active reading is all about engaging with the text instead of passively skimming. This means questioning, predicting, and summarizing as you read.

Steps to Active Reading

  • Annotate: Jot down quick notes, underline key phrases, or circle unfamiliar words.
  • Ask Questions: Why did the author mention this? What is the main idea?
  • Summarize: Pause at the end of each paragraph to restate the main point in your own words.

Why It Matters

Active reading helps you stay focused, understand complex ideas, and answer questions more accurately.

Quick Tips

  • Don’t be afraid to mark up the test booklet!
  • Practice by reading articles and summarizing them in a sentence or two.

Examples

  • Highlighting a sentence that signals a change in the author’s argument.

  • Writing a margin note like, 'Author disagrees here.'

In a Nutshell

Engage with the text to improve understanding and recall.

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Vocabulary in Context