SAT Subject Test in Literature

The SAT Subject Test in Literature assesses students' understanding and analysis of literary texts, including poetry, prose, and drama.

Advanced Topics

Close Reading and Textual Evidence

Becoming a Literary Detective

Close reading means digging beneath the surface of the text. It involves carefully analyzing words, phrases, and structure to uncover deeper meaning.

How to Practice Close Reading

  • Underline or note striking words and images.
  • Ask why the author chose a particular word or phrase.
  • Look for patterns or shifts in the text.

Using Textual Evidence

The SAT will often ask you to cite evidence to support your answers. This means finding specific lines or phrases that back up your interpretation.

Tip

Always refer back to the text when making a claim. Strong evidence makes your answer convincing!

Examples

  • Finding a line that proves a character is afraid.

  • Quoting a metaphor to explain the theme.

In a Nutshell

Close reading means examining details and using the text to support your answers.