Analyzing Relationships | The Complete SAT Course - Class 10 PDF Download

What's on the test?

In the official SAT exam, it is common to encounter 1-2 questions that inquire about the connection between two concepts. Examples of such questions include:

• According to the passage, which option best describes the relationship between _____ and _____?
• The narrator indicates that the contrast between _____ and _____ is characterized by...

These relationships typically adhere to a few typical patterns. The ideas may either align or diverge from each other. Alternatively, one idea may be the cause of the other. Some questions may require you to identify specific similarities or differences, while others may task you with arranging a series of events in chronological order.

Your task will involve identifying the manner in which the two ideas are linked within the passage, based on explicit information, precise word choices, and the author's tone.

Common errors

Incorrect choices in relationship questions typically possess one of the following characteristics:

• Unsupported claims: Wrong choices often present statements that may sound plausible or logical, but they focus on aspects of the ideas that are not directly addressed in the passage. The correct answers to relationship questions usually emphasize the primary way the passage describes the ideas, and they are always backed by information directly provided in the passage.
• Flip-flopped ideas: Sometimes, incorrect choices will mistakenly reverse the relationship between the ideas. For instance, a wrong choice might correctly identify a cause-effect relationship but confuse the cause with the effect, or vice versa.
• Near misses: Wrong choices can be deceivingly close to being correct, or partially correct, but they contain one or two words that render the entire choice incorrect. For example, an incorrect choice might accurately describe the first idea but inaccurately describe the second one. Alternatively, it might grasp the basic concept of the relationship but employ overly strong or extreme words that lack support from the passage. It is crucial to read the choices carefully and comprehensively to avoid falling for these errors.

Tips and strategies

1. Make a prediction!

• After reading the passage, it's likely that you'll recall the ideas mentioned in the question. Before examining the answer choices, which can be misleading, try describing the relationship in your own words. Imagine explaining these ideas to someone else. A strong prediction often resembles the correct answer and can help eliminate some incorrect choices.

2. Exclude new information

• Incorrect answer choices in relationship questions often include statements that go beyond the information provided in the passage. If you notice that a choice introduces an aspect of the ideas not directly addressed in the passage (unsupported claims), eliminate it! The correct answers will always be supported by the text.

3. Look for keywords

• If you can't remember the exact details the passage provided about the ideas mentioned in the question, don't worry. You might still recall the section of the passage where those topics were discussed. By revisiting the passage and searching for keywords from the question, you should find clues to the answer.