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...
Study Strategies

Eliminating Wrong Answer Choices

Outsmart the Test

The SAT often includes tempting but incorrect answers. Learning how to spot and eliminate these can boost your score.

Strategies to Use

  • Rule out choices that are too extreme, off-topic, or unsupported by the passage.
  • Look for subtle differences between similar answers.
  • Trust evidence from the passage, not your outside knowledge.

Benefit

Eliminating wrong answers increases your odds, even when you’re unsure.

Examples

  • You cross off answers that use words like 'always' or 'never' when the passage doesn’t support such absolutes.

  • You compare remaining options and pick the one most directly supported by the text.

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Active Reading Techniques