Mastering the SAT/ACT Reading Passages

SAT/ACT reading passages can be lengthy and complex. In dealing with these passages, students are tasked to demonstrate a variety of skillsets: identify the main idea, complete a sentence, select the correct meaning of a word, or punctuate a passage. In all cases, students need to read and understand the passage, developing skills to select the correct answer. 

Here are some strategies to navigate reading passages:

Before Reading the Passage

1. Familiarize yourself with the SAT/ACT topics in practice sessions.
2. Read the directions for the passage to know what to look for, such as main ideas or specific evidence.
3. Scan the questions

During Reading

1. Determine the main idea of the passage
2. Manage Unfamiliar Words: Try figuring out the meaning from context clues.
3. Underline key terms to help retain information and stay focused. 
4. Try not to get stuck on a question. If you are struggling: stop, take a breath, and reread the paragraph before continuing, or skip and go back if you have time.
5. Pace yourself: Learn to manage your time, aiming for roughly 12 minutes per passage. 

Answering Questions

1. Eliminate wrong answers: Instead of looking for the “right” answer, first eliminate the choices that are incorrect or not supported by the text. To spot wrong answers, look for those that: 
   1. Don’t relate to the passage in any way
   2. Are related, but still outside the scope of the passage or question
   3. Are too extreme
   4. Are true, but not backed up by the passage
   5. Don’t reflect the author’s intent or main idea
2. Answer questions based only on facts and information found within the passage, not your prior knowledge or opinions. 
3. Look for evidence in specific lines of passage that support your chosen answer.
4. Skip difficult questions after about 30 seconds, mark it, move on, and come back. 
5. Do not leave questions blank: You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so be sure to answer every question. 

For a full review of Critical Test-Taking Skills go to: https://www.teamtutor.com/learning-critical-test-taking-skills-for-the-sat-act/

Developing these strategies by taking practice tests and exercises will help students feel more prepared and confident during their test-taking session experience. Students will go into the test with a positive attitude and feel less stressed and anxious during their  test-taking experience.

Team Tutor offers a full range of academic tutoring, test prep, and study skills services, including executive functioning support, for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Call us today at 215-657-1981 or visit www.teamtutor.com.

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