SAT Critical Reading

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

Reading Comprehension FundamentalsVocabulary in ContextMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and PerspectiveInterpreting Evidence and Supporting ClaimsComparing Multiple Texts
Applying Critical Reading to Everyday MediaBuilding Vocabulary for College and CareerEffective Note-Taking While Reading
Time Management on the Reading SectionEliminating Wrong Answer ChoicesActive Reading Techniques
Reading Comprehensio...Vocabulary in Contex...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Interpreting Evidenc...Comparing Multiple T...Applying Critical Re...Building Vocabulary ...Effective Note-Takin...Time Management on t...Eliminating Wrong An...Active Reading Techn...
Advanced Topics

Analyzing Author’s Purpose and Perspective

Why Did the Author Write This?

Beyond understanding what the passage says, the SAT wants to know if you can spot why the author wrote it and how their viewpoint shapes the text.

Key Questions to Ask

  • Is the author trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or criticize?
  • What is the author’s attitude toward the subject?
  • Are there any biases or assumptions?

Tools for Analysis

  • Look for loaded language or rhetorical questions.
  • Notice the structure—does the author present both sides or just one?
  • Pay attention to word choice and examples.

Real-World Connection

Analyzing purpose and perspective helps you evaluate news, advertisements, and even political speeches!

Examples

  • You determine that the author’s purpose is to persuade readers to recycle by highlighting environmental benefits.

  • You notice the author’s negative word choices about a policy, revealing a critical perspective.

In a Nutshell

Understand the author’s motives and point of view to answer higher-level questions.

Key Terms

Bias
A prejudice for or against something that can influence a text’s objectivity.
Perspective
The author’s viewpoint or attitude toward the subject.
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Interpreting Evidence and Supporting Claims