Complete Guide to Digital SAT Reading and Writing

Digital SAT

A significant shift from the legacy paper test that evaluates reading and writing through distinct modules.

Craft and Structure

The domain that tests understanding of contextual words, text structure, and connections between texts.

Words in Context

Questions that require selecting the most precise word or phrase to complete a passage.

Contextual Nuance

Understanding the subtle differences in meaning based on context.

The 'Blank-Checking' Method

A strategy for answering fill-in-the-blank questions by initially ignoring answer choices.

Pivot

A word or phrase in the text that dictates the meaning of a blank.

Central Idea

The main thesis or overarching theme of a passage.

Command of Evidence: Textual

Questions asking for a quotation that best supports or weakens a claim.

Command of Evidence: Quantitative

Questions that analyze graphs, tables, or charts to interpret data.

Inference

A logical conclusion derived from premises or statements within a text.

Premise A + Premise B → Conclusion

The formula for creating a logical inference.

Sentence Boundaries

Rules for distinguishing between independent and dependent clauses.

Independent Clause (IC)

A group of words that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone.

Dependent Clause (DC)

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Comma Usage

The rules governing the proper use of commas in connections and lists.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The grammatical rule ensuring that subjects and verbs match in number.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

The rule that pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents.

Transitions

Words that connect sentences or ideas and indicate their relationships.

Rhetorical Synthesis

The process of combining ideas from different texts to form a coherent argument.

Common Mistakes & Pitfalls

Common errors students make while answering SAT questions.

Recall Error

The mistake of relying on outside knowledge rather than the text itself.

Half-Right Trap

Answer choices that are partially correct but contain a false statement.

Dangling Modifiers

Descriptive phrases that incorrectly suggest the subject of a sentence.

FANBOYS

A mnemonic for coordinating conjunctions (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).

THAMOS

A mnemonic for conjunctive adverbs (Therefore, However, Also, Meanwhile, Otherwise, Subsequently).

POE (Process of Elimination)

A strategy to identify the correct answer by eliminating known wrong options.

Text Structure and Purpose

Questions that explore the intent of the text or how it is organized.

Cross-Text Connections

Questions that require understanding the relationship between two texts on a similar topic.

Specific Generalization

A transition from specific examples to broader conclusions.

Hypothesis to Concession

A transition from proposing an idea to acknowledging a counterpoint.

Quantitative Evidence Analysis

Interpreting graphical data to support a written argument.

Logical Connections

Analyzing how sentences relate to create coherence in writing.

Comma as Separator

Using commas to separate independent clauses from dependent clauses.

Verb Tense Consistency

Ensuring verb tenses match throughout a narrative.

Rhetorical Impact

The effect that writing has on the audience based on how ideas are presented.

Continuity in Sentences

Maintaining logical flow from one idea to another through appropriate transitions.

Ambiguity in Pronouns

Confusion caused by unclear antecedents in pronoun usage.

Commas with Parenthetical Information

Using commas to set off non-essential information in a sentence.

Causal Relationships in Writing

Using transitions to show cause and effect between sentences.

Comparison Relationship

Using transitions to indicate similarity or agreement between ideas.

Contrast Relationship

Using transitions to indicate disagreement or opposition between ideas.

Effective Notes

Creating organized notes that reflect key ideas and goals of the text.

Abstract Answers

Identifying answers that summarize key points without specific details.

Specificity in Answers

Selecting responses that directly address the prompt provided.

Syntax and Structure

Understanding the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Common Vocabulary Pitfalls

Mistakes arising from misinterpreting the meanings of commonly used words.

Contextual Understanding

Recognizing how the context of a passage influences meaning and interpretation.

Punctuation as a Grammatical Tool

Using punctuation marks correctly to clarify sentence meaning.

Main Idea Comprehension

The ability to summarize and identify the central theme of a passage.

Detailed Comprehension

Understanding specific facts and elements stated explicitly in the text.