Finding Alternatives in Attacking the Questions | The Complete SAT Course - Class 10 PDF Download

“Whole-Passage Attack” versus “Paragraph Attack”

Many students find it helpful to read the entire passage before attempting the questions in the SAT Critical Reading section, while others prefer to tackle the questions earlier. The "paragraph attack" method takes advantage of the SAT CR question order, allowing students to read the first paragraph or two and answer related questions, skipping any “big picture” questions for the time being. When a question pertains to an unread portion of the passage, students can read the next paragraph or two and continue answering questions. It's important to read and summarize whole paragraphs before moving on to the questions. Experiment with both the “whole-passage attack” and the “paragraph attack” strategies during practice to determine which works best for you.

Attacking Paired Passages

The SAT contains paired passages - one set of long passages and one set of short passages - that share a common theme but are written by different authors. These passages are followed by standard CR questions and questions that compare or contrast the ideas and tone of the two passages. For these passages, adjust your attack strategy accordingly.
Here’s how to attack paired passages: 

• First, read Passage 1 with the key questions in mind, paying particular attention to tone. 
• After summarizing, attack the questions that pertain only to Passage 1. 
• Next, read Passage 2, again paying attention to tone. Ask, “How do the perspective and tone of this passage differ from those of Passage 1? How are they similar?” 
• Then attack the questions that pertain to Passage 2 and the comparison questions. 
• Do not read the passages back-to-back because then you will be more likely to confuse the ideas in the passages.

Attacking SAT Passages from Hell

When faced with a challenging SAT passage, don't panic. If the passage seems incomprehensible, move on to another passage if possible. If not, tackle questions that require minimal reading, such as "word in context" questions and "secondary idea" questions. These questions typically don't require understanding the passage's overarching theme, making them easier to approach.

The Need for Speed

Although the SAT is not a speed-reading test, students should practice reading efficiently. If you're struggling to finish the SAT CR sections on time, consider the following three-step approach:

• Step 1: Don't panic. With practice, your efficiency will improve, and you may no longer have trouble finishing on time.
• Step 2: Use your finger to guide your eyes more quickly over the words. By moving your finger smoothly over the text and focusing your eyes next to your finger, you may be able to read faster without losing comprehension. Practice this strategy continuously for two weeks, using it for all types of reading materials.
• Step 3: If you have a diagnosable learning disability that slows your reading, consider getting tested to see if you qualify for extra time on the SAT. Speak with your guidance counselor about testing options, and do so at least a few months before taking the exam.