SSAT Upper Level Reading

A comprehensive guide to mastering reading comprehension for the SSAT Upper Level exam.

Understanding Passage TypesFinding Main Ideas and Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneUnderstanding Vocabulary in ContextEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Applying Reading Skills to Everyday LifeEffective Note-Taking and AnnotationSummarizing and Paraphrasing
Time Management During the TestEliminating Wrong Answer Choices
Understanding Passag...Finding Main Ideas a...Making Inferences an...Analyzing Author’s P...Understanding Vocabu...Evaluating Arguments...Applying Reading Ski...Effective Note-Takin...Summarizing and Para...Time Management Duri...Eliminating Wrong An...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Passage Types

What Kind of Passages Will You See?

The SSAT Upper Level Reading section includes a variety of passage types. These can range from classic literature to science articles, historical texts, and even contemporary pieces.

Key Passage Categories

  • Literary Passages: Excerpts from stories, novels, or plays. They often focus on characters, dialogue, and themes.
  • Informational Passages: Nonfiction texts such as science articles, biographies, and historical accounts. These require you to identify main ideas and supporting details.
  • Argumentative/Opinion Pieces: Passages that present a viewpoint and try to persuade the reader.

Why This Matters

Knowing what type of passage you are reading helps you focus on what is most important in that text and anticipate the kinds of questions you might be asked.

Real-World Connection

In daily life, we read everything from news articles to novels. Recognizing different passage types helps us adjust our reading style and comprehend more effectively.

Examples

  • Reading a science article about climate change and identifying its main argument.

  • Interpreting a scene from a play to understand character motivations.

In a Nutshell

Learn to recognize and adapt to different types of reading passages.

Key Terms

Literary Passage
A text taken from fiction, drama, or poetry.
Informational Passage
A nonfiction text that provides facts or explanations.
Argumentative Passage
A passage intended to persuade or argue a point.
Next
Finding Main Ideas and Supporting Details