Evaluating Relevance & Importance

What is the main idea of a passage?

• How the author feels about the subject

• The central point or primary message

• Key supporting details about the tone

• Background information that provides context

What type of supporting details should take priority?

• Those that are irrelevant but important

• Those that provide hints for the reader

• Those that are relevant and important

• Those that are important and strongly worded

How do you evaluate relevancy in a key detail?

• Check if it relates back to the main idea

• Look for minor facts included in the detail

• Check if it uses appropriate grammar

• Focus on the takeaways of the detail

What is the difference between relevant and irrelevant details?

• Both details must support the main idea

• All details are equally important

• Relevant details don't support the conclusion

• Irrelevant details don't connect to the main idea

All rhetorical synthesis questions on the SAT® will...

• be written in first person.

• have a bulleted list of notes.

• have a blank at the end of the question stem.

• include data charts and visual.

What is one tip to identify important details?

• Look for details that seem interesting

• Prioritize random facts

• Underline descriptive words

• Focus on key phrases like "significantly"

You are writing about the benefits of online education. Which fact should be included to strengthen your argument?

• Online education is convenient for working students

• Many universities offer online courses in the modern age

• Some students prefer in-person classes

• The speed of online technology is rapidly developing

A passage describes the history of space exploration. Which detail best supports the significance of this topic?

• Space tourism is becoming more popular

• The first human landed on the moon in 1969

• Satellites are now used for communication and GPS

• Astronauts train for years before going into space

A passage discusses the importance of learning foreign languages. Which detail would be least relevant?

• Learning a second language can improve career opportunities

• Many schools offer language immersion programs

• Some people find it difficult to learn new languages

• Bilingual individuals often have better cognitive flexibility

A passage describes ancient architectural techniques. Which detail best supports their important innovation?

• The Romans developed the arch, still used in bridges

• Ancient buildings were made with natural materials

• Some ancient buildings were religious temples

• Architectural styles differed across regions