Question Types on SAT

The SAT includes various types of questions designed to assess a range of skills. Here are the main categories of questions you will encounter:

Reading Section

• Big Picture Questions
  • Focus on the author's point of view, the primary purpose of the passage, and the rhetorical strategy.
  • Example: "The primary purpose of the passage is to..."
• Little Picture/Detail Questions
  • Focus on specific details within the passage.
  • Example: "The fourth paragraph indicates that..."
• Inference Questions
  • Require you to draw conclusions based on the information provided in the passage.
  • Example: "It can be inferred from the passage that..."
• Function Questions
  • Ask about the purpose of a particular part of the passage.
  • Example: "The author mentions X primarily to..."
• Vocabulary in Context
  • Test your understanding of how words are used in the passage.
  • Example: "In line 32, the word 'X' most nearly means..."
• Analogy Questions
  • Compare relationships between different ideas or concepts.
  • Example: "The relationship between X and Y is most similar to..."
• Author Technique Questions
  • Focus on the methods the author uses to convey their message.
  • Example: "The author uses which of the following techniques..."
• Evidence Support Questions
  • Require you to identify evidence in the passage that supports a given statement.
  • Example: "Which of the following best supports the claim that..."
• Data Reasoning Questions
  • Involve interpreting data from graphs, charts, or tables.
  • Example: "According to the graph, which of the following is true..."

Grammar Concepts Frequently Tested on the SAT

The SAT Writing and Language section is like a grammar obstacle course, testing your ability to navigate through various linguistic challenges. Here are some of the most frequently tested grammar concepts, explained in simple terms:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

This is like making sure dance partners move in sync. The subject (the doer) and the verb (the action) must match in number. For example, "The dog barks" is correct, but "The dogs barks" is not.

2. Pronoun Usage

Think of pronouns as stand-ins for nouns. They need to clearly refer to the right noun, like an understudy knowing exactly which actor they're replacing. For instance, in "John told Jim that he was late," it's unclear who "he" refers to.

3. Verb Tense Consistency

Imagine your writing is a time machine. You need to keep the tenses consistent unless there's a good reason to switch. For example, "Yesterday, I went to the store and buy milk" is incorrect because it mixes past and present tense.

4. Parallel Structure

This is like making sure all items in a list are wearing the same outfit. For example, "I like swimming, to run, and biking" is incorrect. It should be "I like swimming, running, and biking."

5. Modifiers

These are like descriptive accessories for your sentences. They need to be placed close to what they're describing. A misplaced modifier is like putting a hat on your foot instead of your head. For example, "Running down the street, the bus was missed by John" suggests the bus was running, not John.

6. Punctuation

Think of punctuation as traffic signs in your sentences. Commas, semicolons, and colons all have specific jobs. For instance, commas often separate items in a list or set off non-essential information.

7. Idioms and Prepositions

These are like the unique dance moves of the English language. Certain words just go together in specific ways. For example, we say "different from," not "different than."

8. Wordiness and Redundancy

This is about keeping your language lean and mean. It's like packing for a trip - only take what you need. For example, "The reason is because" is redundant; "The reason is" or "It is because" would suffice.

Remember, mastering these concepts is like learning the rules of a game. Once you know them, you can play confidently and score well. Practice spotting and correcting these issues in sample sentences to improve your skills for test day.

Strengthen and Weaken Arguments

Strengthen and weaken questions on the Digital SAT are like playing a game of tug-of-war with arguments. These questions present a short passage with a claim or argument, then ask you to choose an option that either reinforces (strengthens) or undermines (weakens) that claim.

Think of the argument as a rope, and your job is to either pull it harder in the direction it's already going (strengthen) or yank it the opposite way (weaken). To tackle these questions, imagine the argument has a gap or assumption - like a missing piece in a puzzle. Your task is to find the piece that either fits perfectly (strengthen) or doesn't fit at all (weaken). For example, if a passage claims "eating carrots improves eyesight" based on a study of 100 people, a strengthening answer might expand the study to 1000 people with the same results. A weakening answer could show that the original 100 people were already carrot enthusiasts. Remember, relevance is key - make sure your chosen answer directly impacts the main claim, just like how the right key opens a specific lock

Strategies for Tackling 'Student Notes' Questions

When tackling 'student notes' questions on the digital SAT, think of them as a game of word matching rather than a complex puzzle. The key is to focus on the question itself, not the bullet points of notes. Look for specific words or phrases in the question that hint at what the correct answer should contain. For example, if the question mentions "variety," scan the answer choices for words like "diverse" or "different." This approach is like finding the right key for a lock - you're searching for the answer choice that perfectly fits the question's wording. By ignoring the potentially distracting bullet points and zeroing in on the question's key terms, you can quickly identify the correct answer without getting lost in unnecessary details. This strategy not only saves time but also helps reduce stress during the exam, allowing you to approach these questions with confidence and efficiency.

Understanding Transitional Words and Phrases

Transitional words and phrases are like the glue that holds your writing together. They act as signposts, guiding readers smoothly from one idea to the next. Think of them as bridges connecting different thoughts in your sentences and paragraphs. Just as road signs help drivers navigate, transitional words help readers understand the relationships between ideas. For example, words like "furthermore" or "in addition" signal that you're adding more information, while "however" or "on the other hand" indicate a contrast. Using these words effectively can make your writing flow like a well-organized story, helping readers follow your train of thought without getting lost. But remember, like too much seasoning in a dish, overusing transition words can make your writing feel cluttered. The key is to use them just enough to keep your ideas connected and your reader engaged.

Common Pitfalls in Digital SAT Critical Reasoning

The digital SAT's Critical Reasoning section is like a minefield where common mistakes can trip up even well-prepared students. One major pitfall is misreading questions, which can lead to incorrect answers even when students understand the content. It's like following a GPS without double-checking the destination - you might end up in the wrong place. Another common error is falling for "trap" answers that seem correct at first glance but don't fully address the question. This is similar to picking the shiniest apple in the bunch without checking if it's ripe. Students should also be wary of making assumptions beyond what's stated in the passage, which is like building a house of cards on shaky ground. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to read questions carefully, consider all answer choices, and stick to the information provided in the text.