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...
Study Strategies

Eliminating Wrong Answer Choices

Narrow Down Your Options

Often, you can find the right answer by crossing out choices that are obviously wrong.

  • Look for answers that are too extreme or not mentioned in the passage.
  • Watch out for answers that are only partly true or don’t fit the main idea.
  • Use the process of elimination to boost your chances of picking the correct answer.

Why This Works

This strategy helps you avoid traps and make smarter guesses if you’re unsure.

Examples

  • Crossing out answers that don’t match what you read.

  • Choosing between two remaining options by rereading the relevant part of the passage.