english reading methodology flashcard

SAT TRAPS

1. Broad vs Narrow

2. Half Right/Half Wrong

3. Extreme/Absolute

4. Recycled Words: copies passage wording but changes the meaning.

5. Changed Keyword: alters one important detail.

6. Singular/Plural

7. Out of Scope/Speculation

8. Faulty Cause & Effect: reverses or invents causation.

9. Faulty Comparison: makes a comparison the text never makes

10. Double Negative: hides the actual meaning using multiple negatives.

Words in Context Method

1. Identify what the word describes/refers to.

2. Read before AND after the word for clues, especially transitions.

3. Determine the tone and direction: positive, negative, or neutral.

4. Replace the word with your own simple shadow word.

5. Pick the choice matching your prediction AND context.

Main Idea Method

1. Identify the SUBJECT: who/what is discussed.

2. Identify the TOPIC: what is being said about it.

3. Determine tone and follow the flow of information.

4. Summarize the passage in ONE simple sentence before looking at choices.

5. Match your prediction.

Function/Purpose Method

1. Identify the subject and topic.

2. Ask WHY the author included the specified sentence/idea/example.

3. Look at what comes immediately before and after it.

4. Identify its job in the passage

5. Predict the purpose in your own words, then match. Ask "WHY is this here?

Fact & Inference Method

1. Read exactly what the question asks and identify keywords.

2. Find those keywords or synonyms in the passage.

3. Paraphrase the relevant evidence.

4. Predict what MUST be true based only on that evidence.

5. Eliminate anything requiring assumptions or outside knowledge.

Inference must be supported by evidence

Illustrating Claims Method

1. Find the claim, usually near the end of the prompt.

2. Break it into subject, topic, tone, and key idea.

3. Identify the key words/concepts that the correct evidence must demonstrate.

4. Choose the option that DIRECTLY proves or illustrates the claim. Ignore details that do not matter.

Logical Completion Method

1. Identify the subject and topic.

2. Track the flow of information, especially the final sentences.

3. Spot logic signals: therefore/thus/hence = result; because/since = cause; but/however/although = contrast.

4. Predict how the passage should logically end BEFORE choices.

5. Choose the answer that continues the existing logic without adding unsupported information.

Command of Evidence Method

1. Read the question carefully and identify exactly what must be supported.

2. Locate the relevant part of the passage using keywords/synonyms.

3. Paraphrase what the evidence needs to show.

4. Choose the evidence that DIRECTLY answers the question.

5. Do not speculate or make logical jumps. The answer must be provable from the evidence.

Cross-Text Connections Method

1. Read the question first and identify WHO must respond to WHOM.

2. Summarize Text 1 in 1 sentence.

3. Summarize Text 2 in 1 sentence.

4. Compare their views: agree, disagree, qualify, or elaborate.

5. Predict how the specified author would respond

Overall Structure Method

1. Identify what the question is asking about the passage's overall organization.

2. Map each section/sentence's JOB in a few words.

3. Track the sequence

4. Predict the structure before choices.

5. Compare answer choices from their FIRST stated step; eliminate immediately when the first step is wrong, then check later steps.

Focus on what the author DOES, not just what the passage discusses.

vtms

Do questions in this order:

Q1–5 Words in Context - jump forward and finish Time Savers/Writing question - return to Q6 and complete Time Stretchers - review bookmarked questions.

Time Savers = 30–50 sec each;

Time Stretchers = 1–1.5 min each.

Aim for 10–12 min on Time Savers, 15–17 min on Time Stretchers, 5 min review.

maximum 4 bookmars