By Laura Whitmore
Do you or someone you know struggle with SAT reading passages? Maybe time is always running out on the English module, or you’re reading the same lines over and over without quite understanding. If so, you’re not alone! Many students face similar challenges on the SAT, and we're here to make the process easier, build confidence, and reduce stress!
Here are our top SAT reading strategies that can help anyone approach the SAT reading section with a clear and efficient mindset.
Want a break from reading? Give my YouTube video a watch!
Strategy 1. Break Reading Passages into Two Blocks
If focus tends to drift during the reading passages, try dividing the work. Start with questions 1–10, then switch to the grammar questions (15–27), and loop back to finish questions 11–14. This strategy allows you to tackle reading in smaller, more manageable sections, which helps maintain concentration.
Strategy 2. Find Three Wrong Answers Instead of One Right Answer
On SAT reading, the right answer can be tricky to spot, and often there are “trap” choices. Instead of focusing on what sounds correct, eliminate three wrong options. This “process of elimination” method makes it much easier to zero in on the correct choice without getting distracted by tempting but incorrect options.
Strategy 3. Look for Synonyms in Answer Choices
The SAT often rephrases information from the text in subtle ways. Practice spotting synonyms in the answer choices that match phrases in the passage itself. For instance, if the passage mentions “great improvement,” an answer choice with “significant progress” might be correct. The more you recognize these rephrased ideas, the better you’ll do.
Strategy 4. Pay Attention to Adverbs of Degree
Words like “largely,” “partly,” or “significantly” might seem minor, but they’re essential. These adverbs can change an answer’s meaning entirely, even if the rest sounds right. Watch for them closely; they often determine whether an answer choice is correct or misleading.
Strategy 5. Use Initials for Hard-to-Pronounce Names
Running into names of people or places that are hard to pronounce? Just call them by their initials to keep the reading smooth. This approach keeps you moving through the passage without pausing to mentally wrestle with pronunciation.
Strategy 6. Skip Over Big Words You Don’t Know
Encountering a large or unfamiliar word? Skip it. Chances are, it won’t affect your understanding of the overall passage, and you’ll save time. Focus on context clues from the words around it instead.
Strategy 7. Pull Out Key Words to Simplify Complicated Text
For dense or complex passages, try focusing on key words and phrases that you do understand. This approach often provides enough insight to answer the questions without needing to understand every detail.
Strategy 8. Use Minimal Annotation if You Get Lost
If you’re struggling to stay focused, a bit of annotation can help—but keep it brief. Rather than writing lengthy notes, jot down short symbols or words, ideally on scrap paper rather than in the Blue Book. This keeps your thoughts visible, unlike the in-app tool, where annotations disappear unless you hover over them.
Strategy 9. Stick to What the Text Says—Don’t Infer
One of the most common mistakes is making assumptions beyond what the text states. Stick to what’s explicitly in the passage. If it doesn’t say it, don’t assume it. This approach is especially helpful with SAT’s trap answers that encourage overthinking.
Strategy 10. Understand Direct and Indirect Correlations
On science passages, knowing the difference between direct and indirect correlations can make a big difference. For instance, if Population A rises and directly impacts Population B, we call this a direct effect. But if Population B then affects Population C, Population A only indirectly affects Population C. Recognizing these distinctions is often key to understanding the passage and answering correctly.
Strategy 11. Avoid Overly Literal Answers in Poems or Fiction
For poetry and fiction passages, look for symbolic meanings rather than choosing literal interpretations. If a poem mentions a “beating drum,” it probably has a deeper meaning than just a literal drum. Think figuratively and choose answers that reflect this symbolic depth.
Strategy 12. Keep Track of Tone with Positive and Negative Cues
If you’re pressed for time, focus on the passage’s overall tone. Is it positive or negative? If it’s positive, pick answers with a similar tone, and avoid any that seem to contrast. This small tip can often be a quick way to stay aligned with the passage’s overall message.
If you’re interested in diving deeper, I’m hosting a two-hour SAT Reading Crash Course at the end of the month, right before the December SAT. We’ll cover these strategies and more in detail, giving you all the tools you need to feel prepared and confident on test day.
Every student has their own unique way of approaching the SAT, and finding strategies that work for you can make all the difference.
Happy prepping!
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