Michael models SAT Reading section techniques and strategies on a passage from the College Board SAT Practice Test 1

Michael works through the fourth passage of Practice Test 1 (questions 32-41) with a live demonstration of actually taking that test/ passage:

Notes: & Big Ideas

Reading Test 1:
4th passage, questions 32-40
“Expository”

• “Hard read” the intro & apply your Prior Knowledge
  
• Find historical context!
  Think BIG WARS, here between WWI (1914-18) & WWII (1939-45)
• Skim text esp. topic sentences for key words, tone/ technique, definitions, proper nouns, etc.
  
• ALWAYS Hard Read last paragraph/ final sentences
  
• Hard Read the QUESTIONS (not the answers) for INFORMATION
  
• First paragraphs, esp. w/ academic passages is usually BACKGROUND INFO (you won’t find the thesis!)
  
• Read the text KEEPING YOUR
  THUMB on the QUESTIONS
  … and answer them AS YOU GO!
• Eliminate for ERRORS!
  The correct answer is the ONLY one that does NOT have an error.
• PAIRED QUESTIONS:
  – Evidence MUST match a possible answer!
  – Keep your thumb on the questions & ELIMINATE evidence one at a time!
• With two-part answers you only need to eliminate ONE part of the possible answer in order to eliminate that answer!
  
• “Characterizes” or “indicates” = not stating the info but saying something about it
  
• Pay close attention to the final sentences!
  
• Summary questions: you will know more about the passage AFTER answer all the other questions. Do it last, or go back to re-check it when you’re done w/ the other questions.
  
• Keep questions in your head and thumb on the questions
  … and answer them as you go along!
  

NEXT:  I will run a Writing section webinar, date t.b.a.

– Michael