The SAT Reading section is undergoing major changes with its transition to a digital format, and one of the most impacted sections is Reading and Writing. As your trusted guide, The Princeton Review is here to provide you with the best strategies to help you excel on test day. In this blog, we’ll focus on how to quickly locate key information in the SAT Reading and Writing sections of the digital SAT, helping you use your time wisely and boost your score.
What’s New in the Digital SAT Reading and Writing Test?
The Digital SAT Reading and Writing section tests your ability to understand, analyse, and use language. Here’s a breakdown of the key skill areas you’ll encounter:
- Information and Ideas: Locate, interpret, and evaluate information from a variety of texts, charts, and infographics.
- Craft and Structure: Understand academic vocabulary in context, analyse texts rhetorically, and connect related passages.
- Expression of Ideas: Revise and improve written passages to meet specific rhetorical goals.
- Standard English Conventions: Edit texts for proper grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
The most significant change is that SAT Reading and Writing are now combined into a single test section. The passages are shorter, and each has only one accompanying question, so a more precise and efficient approach is essential.
Big Changes in the Digital SAT Reading Section
Here are some key changes to keep in mind for the Digital SAT Reading section:
- Unified Test Section: SAT Reading and Writing are no longer separate sections.
- Shorter Passages: You’ll encounter more, shorter passages, each with a single question.
- New Question Types: The digital format introduces more variety in question types, which means fresh strategies are needed to approach them.
Quick Tips for Finding Key Information in SAT Reading
To perform well in the SAT Reading and Writing section, you’ll need to quickly locate and process important details. Here are some proven strategies to help you find key information quickly and efficiently:
1. Read the Question First
Before diving into the passage, read the question first. Knowing what you’re looking for helps you stay focused and saves time. For example, if the question asks about the tone of the passage, you’ll know to look for emotionally charged language or adjectives. If the question is about data interpretation, look for figures, percentages, or other key details.
2. Look for Topic Sentences
Each paragraph typically starts with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Skimming for these sentences will help you quickly understand the central theme of the passage, allowing you to find the answer more efficiently. If the question asks about the overall purpose of the passage, the topic sentence is usually the key to answering it.
3. Use Active Reading Techniques
Even though the passages are shorter, active reading is still essential. As you read, highlight (mentally or physically) important details like:
- Key facts or figures
- Names of people, places, or events
- Transition words like “however,” “therefore,” or “in contrast,” which signal shifts in arguments or ideas.
This will help you pinpoint key information faster and with greater accuracy.
4. Skim and Scan
Once you’ve read the question, quickly skim the passage for relevant details. Don’t worry about understanding every word; instead, focus on:
- The answer to the specific question
- Key terms in the question (e.g., dates, names, or phrases)
Skimming and scanning will help you reduce the time spent on each passage without sacrificing comprehension.
5. Master Vocabulary in Context
Instead of memorizing endless vocabulary words, practice understanding words in context. For example, if you come across the word “ambivalent” in a passage discussing pros and cons, you can infer that it means having mixed or conflicting feelings.
6. Use the Process of Elimination
If you’re unsure of the answer, eliminate the clearly incorrect options. Often, the wrong answers will either contradict key details or are irrelevant to the passage. By removing these choices, you increase your chances of selecting the correct one.
Let’s Practice: Applying These Strategies
Here’s a practical example to show how you can use these strategies effectively.
Example Passage: “The rise of renewable energy sources like solar and wind has greatly reduced reliance on fossil fuels, yet challenges remain. For instance, energy storage technology lags behind, making it difficult to harness power when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. These limitations suggest that fossil fuels will continue to play a role in the global energy mix for the foreseeable future.”
Question: What is the primary challenge discussed in the passage regarding renewable energy sources?
Steps:
- Read the question first: The question asks about the primary challenge related to renewable energy sources.
- Skim the passage: Notice the phrase “challenges remain” and “energy storage technology lags behind.”
- Answer based on key information: The passage clearly mentions that energy storage technology is the main challenge, as it prevents renewable energy sources from being reliable when weather conditions aren’t favorable.
The correct answer would focus on energy storage technology as the primary limitation of renewable energy.
Conclusion
With the new Digital SAT format, time is more precious than ever. By mastering the art of quickly finding key information, you can improve both your efficiency and accuracy on test day. Use the strategies outlined in this blog, practice regularly with The Princeton Review’s SAT Reading resources, and focus on active reading and vocabulary in context. Applying these methods will not only enhance your test performance but also give you the confidence to tackle any passage.
By following these steps and practicing consistently, you’ll be on the path to a higher score and a successful SAT Reading experience. The Princeton Review is here to guide you every step of the way. Good luck!