SAT Critical Reading
A comprehensive guide to mastering the SAT Critical Reading section, focusing on reading comprehension, vocabulary, inference, and test strategies.
Advanced Topics
Analyzing Arguments and Rhetoric
Breaking Down the Author’s Reasoning
Many SAT passages present arguments or use rhetorical devices to persuade the reader. You’ll need to identify claims, supporting evidence, and persuasive techniques.
Key Focus Areas
- Claims: What is the author trying to prove?
- Evidence: What facts, statistics, or examples are used?
- Rhetorical Devices: Look for repetition, analogies, or rhetorical questions.
Common Rhetorical Devices
- Ethos: Appeals to credibility.
- Pathos: Appeals to emotion.
- Logos: Appeals to logic.
Practice in Daily Life
Analyzing advertisements or opinion pieces can sharpen your skills outside the classroom.
Examples
Spotting the use of statistics to support a claim about climate change.
Identifying an analogy that clarifies a complicated idea.
In a Nutshell
Understand how authors construct arguments and use rhetorical techniques.