Guide to the SAT Reading Test

The reading section of the SAT test is a significant portion of the test that you should prepare for rigorously. The SAT uses various reading and writing passages to test different skills related to reading, including comprehension, data analytics, the ability to make inferences, and much more. 

What Is Covered on the SAT Reading Test?

Wondering how to study for the reading portion of the SAT? Even if English is one of your strongest subjects in school, you should take the time to focus on the specific competencies that the SAT will test. Here are some of the most important reading-related skills that we cover in our SAT tutoring to help you. 

Reading Comprehension

One of the most important and all-encompassing skills that the SAT tests is reading comprehension. 

While the concept of comprehending what you’re reading might seem simple, the ease of understanding what’s written can depend on many factors. In some cases, the reading sections of the SAT will include a lot of valuable information that you’ll have to keep track of diligently as you read. 

Making Inferences

As you’re working through the reading section of the SAT, you’ll be expected to make inferences based on the information being given. Essentially, you’ll be asked to deduce specific facts based on the content of the passage, whether those facts were stated explicitly or implied through subtext.   

Understanding Context

You’ve learned over many years of reading in school and during your free time that words can have various meanings depending on the context. In fact, even words that technically maintain the same definition throughout all contexts can take on different tones and implications in various situations. 

During the SAT reading section, you’ll have to get a sense of the greater context of the passage in order to comprehend the meaning correctly and make the proper inferences.

Analyzing Data

Part of reading comprehension is the ability to properly analyze the data being provided. Depending on the section, data may be written verbally or expressed in visual forms such as graphs. Usually, if concrete data on a subject is provided during an SAT reading section, you will be expected to write clearly and concisely about the data you’ve analyzed.

Reading Mood and Tone

The mood and/or tone being used by an author can make all the difference when it comes to understanding context, comprehending data, or making inferences. Your SAT prep should include reading passages by authors in various tones so you can adjust to the differences. 

Vocabulary

In addition to your many reading comprehension skills, don’t forget to study your SAT vocabulary leading up to the test. While your English classes may have drilled some vocab, your Jantzi test prep tutor will ensure that you’re up to speed on all the necessary vocabulary words to be successful in the reading and writing portions. 

Jantzi Test Prep: Get the Score You Want on SAT Reading

Your ideal SAT score is waiting for you, and Jantzi can help you get there. Contact us today to book SAT tutoring.