DSAT Reading

Main Idea

The overall point or central argument of a passage or paragraph

Primary Purpose

The author’s main reason for writing the passage

Passage Focus

The specific topic or issue the passage is centered on

Author’s Claim

The position or argument the author is trying to prove

Central Thesis

The main idea expressed in one complete thought

Topic vs Main Idea

The topic is what the passage is about; the main idea is what the author says about it

Broad vs Narrow Main Ideas

Correct answers are neither too general nor too specific

Implied Main Idea

The main idea suggested by the passage but not directly stated

Function of a Sentence

The role a sentence plays in advancing the passage’s argument

Function of a Paragraph

How a paragraph contributes to the passage as a whole

Function Questions

Ask why a detail or sentence is included

Evidence-Based Reasoning

Correct answers must be directly supported by the passage

Best Evidence Question

Asks which lines best support the answer to the previous question

Paired Questions

Two questions where the second proves the first

Inference

Conclusion drawn strictly from given information

Valid Inference

Must be logically supported, not assumed

Extreme Inference Trap

Uses absolute or exaggerated language not supported by text

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject

Author’s Attitude

The emotional stance expressed through word choice

Neutral Tone

Objective, factual, or analytical language

Positive Tone

Approval, optimism, or support

Negative Tone

Criticism, doubt, or disapproval

Word Choice

Diction used by the author to convey meaning or tone

Loaded Language

Words with strong emotional connotations

Neutral Language

Factual wording without emotional bias

Vocabulary in Context

Meaning of a word based on how it’s used in the passage

Context Clues

Surrounding words or ideas that reveal meaning

Multiple-Meaning Words

Words whose meaning changes depending on context

Literal Meaning

The most direct, dictionary-based meaning

Figurative Meaning

Non-literal or symbolic meaning

Detail Questions

Ask about explicitly stated information

Factual Accuracy

The answer must match what is stated, not what sounds reasonable

Paraphrase Trap

Restates passage but subtly changes meaning

Purpose of a Detail

Why a specific fact or example is included

Example Function

Examples may illustrate, support, clarify, or challenge a claim

Statistic Function

Data used to strengthen credibility or prove a point

Logical Structure

The way ideas are organized in a passage

Cause and Effect

One event leads to another

Problem and Solution

Issue presented followed by resolution

Compare and Contrast

Similarities and differences between ideas

Chronological Order

Ideas presented in time sequence

Transitions

Words that signal relationships between ideas

Contrast Transitions

However, but, yet, although

Continuation Transitions

Moreover, furthermore, additionally

Cause Transitions

Therefore, thus, as a result

Agreement vs Disagreement

Whether authors or viewpoints align or oppose

Paired Passage Relationship

How two passages relate to each other

Author Response Question

How one author would likely respond to another

Support

The use of evidence to justify a claim

Undermining Evidence

Information that weakens a claim

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint addressed by the author

Refutation

The author’s response to a counterargument

Assumption

An unstated idea that must be true for an argument to work

Strengthen Question

Asks for information that supports the argument

Weaken Question

Asks for information that challenges the argument

Generalization

A broad conclusion drawn from specific evidence

Overgeneralization

Extending a claim beyond what evidence allows

Scope Shift

A change in topic or scale not supported by the passage

Comparative Passages

Two texts discussing related ideas

Shared Theme

A common topic or issue in both passages

Different Perspectives

Authors interpret the same issue differently

Scientific Passage Purpose

To explain research, findings, or processes

Hypothesis

A testable scientific claim

Experiment Design

How a study is structured

Variable

A factor that can change in an experiment

Conclusion

The interpretation of results

Humanities Passage Purpose

To analyze ideas, culture, or philosophy

Historical Passage Purpose

To argue, persuade, or document events or beliefs

Social Science Passage Purpose

To explain behavior, systems, or trends

Graph or Data Integration

Connecting text to quantitative information

Data Interpretation

Drawing conclusions from charts or graphs

Data Support Question

Identifying which data supports a claim

Author’s Assumptions

Beliefs the author takes for granted

Implicit Bias

The author’s unspoken perspective or values

Perspective

The lens through which the author views the topic

SAT Trap Answers

Extreme, irrelevant, partially true, or reversed answers

Too Broad Answer

Applies beyond the passage’s scope

Too Narrow Answer

Focuses on a minor detail

Opposite Answer

States the reverse of what the passage says

Textual Consistency

Correct answers must match the passage in meaning and tone

Precision in Language

Small wording differences matter on SAT Reading

Answer Choice Elimination

Removing choices that violate passage logic

Digital SAT Reading Strategy

Read for structure, not memorization

Question-Driven Reading

Let questions guide detail focus

Evidence First Approach

Always verify answers in the text