New SAT Reading

The New SAT Reading subject focuses on developing critical reading skills necessary for success on the SAT exam.

Understanding Passage TypesIdentifying Main Ideas and ThemesInterpreting Evidence and Supporting Details
Analyzing Author's Purpose and ToneUnderstanding Vocabulary in ContextInterpreting Data and Graphics
Applying Critical Reading in Everyday LifeUsing Reading Skills in School ProjectsCommunicating Effectively with Text
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management on the SATElimination and Guessing Strategies
Understanding Passag...Identifying Main Ide...Interpreting Evidenc...Analyzing Author's P...Understanding Vocabu...Interpreting Data an...Applying Critical Re...Using Reading Skills...Communicating Effect...Active Reading Techn...Time Management on t...Elimination and Gues...
Basic Concepts

Interpreting Evidence and Supporting Details

Backing Up the Main Point

The SAT often asks you to identify or interpret the evidence that supports an author's claims. Supporting details can be facts, statistics, examples, or quotes.

  • Evidence Questions: Which part of the passage best supports your answer?
  • Detail Questions: What does the author mention to back up their point?

How to Master It

  • Highlight or underline supporting details as you read.
  • When answering questions, always go back to the text to find proof.

Everyday Relevance

Evaluating evidence helps you make informed decisions, whether you're reading reviews online or researching for a school project.

Examples

  • Locating a sentence where the author uses statistics to argue for renewable energy.

  • Identifying a quote that illustrates a character's motivation.

In a Nutshell

Find and interpret details that support the main ideas and arguments.

Next
Analyzing Author's Purpose and Tone