SSAT Upper Level Verbal

A comprehensive guide to mastering the verbal section of the SSAT Upper Level, focusing on vocabulary, analogies, and reading comprehension skills.

Building a Strong VocabularyMastering AnalogiesReading Comprehension Skills
Advanced Vocabulary StrategiesComplex Analogy RelationshipsCritical Reading and Inference
Applying Vocabulary in Everyday LifeAnalogies in Problem SolvingReading Comprehension in Real-World Contexts
Time Management on the Verbal SectionElimination and Guessing Techniques
Building a Strong Vo...Mastering AnalogiesReading Comprehensio...Advanced Vocabulary ...Complex Analogy Rela...Critical Reading and...Applying Vocabulary ...Analogies in Problem...Reading Comprehensio...Time Management on t...Elimination and Gues...
Advanced Topics

Critical Reading and Inference

Going Beyond the Text

Some SSAT questions ask you to infer—figure out something that isn’t directly stated. This means reading between the lines and using clues from the passage.

Steps for Making Inferences

  • Look for hints and indirect statements.
  • Combine clues with what you already know.
  • Ask yourself, “What is the author trying to tell me?”

Evaluating Arguments

Some passages present opinions or arguments. Decide if they use facts, opinions, or assumptions.

Real-World Application

Being able to infer helps you understand people and situations—like guessing how a friend feels based on their words and actions!

Examples

  • Realizing a character is upset even if the story never says 'she was sad.'

  • Noticing a passage is meant to persuade you, not just inform.

In a Nutshell

Inference is the skill of understanding what’s not said but implied.

Next
Applying Vocabulary in Everyday Life