SAT prep - Reading Comprehension

Jul. 1, 2009


Reading Comprehension (also known as Critical Reading) questions test your ability to understand a passage and answer question on the basis of what is stated and implied in the passage. You need to read the passage first so that you can identify the main idea of the passage and appreciate features such as the author's tone and attitude as well as the organization of the passage. Scroll back to the relevant point in the text as you do each question. Passages on the New SAT vary in length from short paragraphs that take 3 minutes to read and answer two questions, to ones that take 15 minutes to read and answer 13 questions. One section will contain two related long passages. Mini tests 11 - 14 contain one paragraph reading comprehensions. Be sure to read the directions and the time allowed at the beginning of each of our mini tests. There is no shortcut to improving your critical reading ability. Practice does help - but if you are making too many errors on our mini tests, consult your teacher or just choose some good books and get down to some serious reading.