SAT Reading Test Tips and Tricks Review

When skimming for the main idea(s) of a passage, which of the following sections should the reader focus on?

• introductory paragraph and body paragraphs

• introductory paragraph, conclusion paragraph, & first and last sentences of each body paragraph

• conclusion paragraph

• conclusion paragraph & first and last sentences of each body paragraph

For slower readers, what is a good strategy-when jumping to the questions-to use for passages with line numbers?

• NEVER skip the passage! Always read it first!

• Answer the questions about the main ideas of the passage first and then move on to the small details questions later.

• Read and annotate the passage first, skim the annotations, and then answer the questions.

• Answer the questions about the small details in the passage first and then move on to the main idea questions later.

For readers who become easily distracted, which strategy would be the MOST helpful in keeping these readers focused while trying to understand the passage?

• Underline the most important sentence in each paragraph.

• Reread the entire passage after the first time.

• Summarize every paragraph.

• Summarize the entire passage based upon memory.

How many minutes is the SAT Reading Test?

• 35

• 65

• 50

• 45

How many questions are on the SAT Reading Test?

• 60

• 30

• 120

• 52

For readers who obsess over a certain portion of the SAT which of the following strategies will help with time management?

• Skim the text.

• Focus and find the most important details in the passage.

• Watch the clock while noting the time.

• Focus on the introductory and concluding paragraphs of the passage.

True or False?

Spending 17 minutes on a reading passage is the perfect amount of time.

• False. People should take no more than 20 minutes on a passage.

• True. 17 minutes is a good amount of time.

• False. People should spend no more than 12 minutes on a passage.

• Who cares how much time you spend? Take your time!

Where is the main idea located in a reading passage?

• The main idea is nearly always located in the first half of the passage, along with the most important questions.

• The main idea is nearly always located in the second half of the passage, along with the most important questions.

• The main idea is nearly always located in the middle of the passage while the most important questions are in the first half.

• The main idea is nearly always located in the second half of the passage while the most important questions are in the first half.

Which of the following strategies is recommended for slow readers when reading the second half of the passage?

• Skim the first half of the passage and carefully read the second half for the main idea.

• Carefully read the ENTIRE passage word for word.

• Reread the first half and second half of the passage twice each time.

• Skim the second half of the passage once the main idea is identified from the first half.

True or False?

Extreme answers, which often include words like never or always, is usually the correct answer choice.

• True

• False