By Unigo When it comes to SAT reading comprehension, it’s time to buckle down, get focused, and dive into the world of textual analysis. Gone are the days of leisurely reading, as the SAT demands your full attention and critical thinking skills. The passages may seem unfamiliar and the topics strange, but fear not! With the following expert strategies, you’ll learn how to dominate the reading comprehension section and maximize your score. Tip 1: Skim for Main Ideas Rather than spending all your time meticulously reading every word of the passage, adopt a strategic approach. Begin by skimming the passage for main ideas. Pay close attention to the first paragraph, which often contains the central theme. Then, aim to grasp the general argument presented in each subsequent paragraph. To aid your understanding, feel free to jot down brief notes on the main ideas you encounter. Tip 2: Tackle Easy Passages First Tailor your approach to suit your strengths and interests. If you have a penchant for science, start with the passage on the biochemical makeup of pheasants. For literature enthusiasts, begin with the discussion of Shakespeare’s masterful use of iambic pentameter. By conquering the easier subject matter first, you’ll gain confidence and free up valuable time to tackle the more challenging passages later on. Tip 3: Decode the Questions Before delving into the answer choices, read the questions with utmost care. In fact, scrutinize them more closely than the passages themselves. Ensure you fully comprehend what each question is asking before attempting to answer it. Beware of answer choices that may be technically true but fail to address the specific question being posed. Tip 4: Address General Questions First To optimize your time management, prioritize answering general questions over detailed ones. Detail questions often require more time as you scour the passage for supporting evidence. By effectively skimming the text, you should be able to tackle general, main-idea questions with relative ease. This strategy allows you to gain crucial points quickly and efficiently. Tip 5: Stick to the Passage, Not Your Imagination Let go of any inclination to inject your personal opinions into your answers. The SAT does not seek your subjective perspective. Instead, focus on locating evidence within the passage itself to support your answer choices. Remember, the key to success lies in your ability to analyze and interpret the given text accurately. Tip 6: Maintain Composure Above all, maintain a calm and composed mindset throughout the entire test. It’s important to maintain a steady pace, but not at the expense of understanding the passage’s overall structure and the nuances of each question. Take a moment to grasp the broader context before formulating your response. By implementing these expert tips, you will become a master of SAT reading comprehension. Develop the ability to quickly identify main ideas, strategically choose passages, decode questions, prioritize your efforts, stick to the passage, and maintain composure. With practice, dedication, and these powerful strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the reading comprehension section and achieve your desired SAT score.