SAT EXAM Reading Strategies Short Passages.pptx

8/11/2019 SAT EXAM Reading Strategies Short Passages.pptx

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VISA ENGLISH ACADEMY

BRIANA SONGER

2014


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SHORT PASSAGE-KEY

POINTS There are five types of questions in this

section:

1. Big Picture

2. Little Picture

3. Vocabulary-in-Context

4. Function

You will learn how to identify andanswer each question type.


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Question Types Introduction

The short and long reading passages coverhumanities, social sciences, naturalsciences, and fiction.

To do well, you must actively read and

analyze the information provided (we willdiscuss what active/analyze means later)

Almost more than 50% of the test iscomposed of Little Picture and Inference

questions. Fewer than 30-40% of the test is Big

Picture, Function and Vocabulary


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Strategy for Answering Reading

Comprehension Questions

Step 1: Read the question stem. Rephrasethe question to check for understanding.

Step 2: Locate the material you need.

Step 3: Predict the answer.Step 4: Select the best answer choice.

*Knowing the question types will help youlocate the information more quickly andchoose the best answer.


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1. Big Picture Key Words

Tests how well you understand the passage as a whole.They ask about: Main point of passage/paragraph

The passage is primarily concerned with..

What is the main idea of the passage?

Authors tone/attitudeWhat is the authors attitude toward..

Authors argument (logic)Based on the passage, the author would most likely describe.

The author suggests that.

Relation of ideasThe author compares _________ to _________ in order to

Big Picture questions are often located at the end, so tryto answer the Little Picture questions first

Practice a sample passage and question on the nextslide. Remember to read the question stem first.


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Big Picture Question

Example

Based on the passage, the author would most likely describe goose bumps on humans as

(A) an unnecessary and unexplained phenomenon

(B) a harmful but necessary measure

(C) an amusing but dangerous feature

(D) a useless but interesting remnant(E) a powerful bus infrequent occurrence


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Answer Explanation

Step 1: Question-

What does the author think about goose bumps?

Step 2: Locate Material-

Big Picture as its based on the passage as a whole; however its asking only about

goose bumps, so scan for goose bumps, while keeping the overall passage in mind.

Step 3: Predict

Last sentence-author describes goose bumps as an obsoleteresponse (obsolete-

outdated, not needed)

Step 4: Select the Best Answer

A) Unnecessary (yes), unexplained (not)

B) Never describes goose bumps as harmful

C) Nor dangerous

D) Correct-remnant means left over, but it serves no purpose for humans

E) Out of scope because the passage never mentions the frequency with which

goose bumps occur.


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Practice with

Big Picture Questions

Teachers Shows Narrative Perspective-

Authors Point of View Power Point

Homework: Identifying Narrative

Perspective POV Worksheet

Study popular tone/attitude words:

Quizlet-http://quizlet.com/46034090/sat-

tonemood-words-flash-cards/


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2. Little Picture

About a 1/3 of the test consists of Little Picturequestions asking about specific facts anddetails from the passage.

These questions often give a line reference: a

clue to where in the passage to look for theanswer.

Be careful with answer choices that seem toreasonably answer the question in the stembut that dont make sense in the context of the

passage. Be careful with answer choices that are true

but refer to a different section of the test.


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Tests how well you understand thedetails of the passage. They ask about: Whether you understand significant

information thats stated

According to the passage.. Ability to locate information

Ability to differentiate between main ideasand specific details

In lines 12-16, what does the author say about.. Ability to differentiate between main ideas

and specific detailsIn line 6, the empty night is symbolic of

Little Picture Key Words


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Little Picture Example Question

According to the passage, which is true about the bridge?

(A) It was originally constructed by New York State.

(B) It opened to the public in 1916.

(C) It was necessitated by inadequate ferry services.

(A) Statement II

(B) Statement III

(C)Statements I and II

(D)Statements I and III

(E) Statements II and III


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Answer Explanation

Step 1: Question-

What is true (or false) about the bridge?


Small picture are usually simple detail questions, based on facts in the passage.

Dont let the Roman numerals confuse you..

Step 3: Verify/Rule Out

What is true? Whats false? Start by ruling out each answer that doesnt fit.


A) Is a distortion. The Park opened in 1916, the date of the bridge was later. You

can thus eliminate C and E.

B) Correct Answer.

C) Already eliminated.

D) Is also a distortion. Statement III is true, but I is false. N.Y. State didnt build the

bridge, a private company did. It was turned over to the state at a later time.

E) Already eliminated.


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Practice with Little Picture

Questions

Read the Power Point- How to IdentifySupporting Details

Practice reading short passages and

identifying supporting details:http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmland

http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.html
http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_2.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter9/supporting_details__exercise_1.html


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3. Inference Questions

To infer is to draw conclusions based on evidence andreasoning. The answers are not directly stated, butexpressed through signs and emotions that the authorstates.

Pay attention to the overall feeling of the passage (tone)

and specific details and word choice that are used. For example, if the author states that a particular idea was

perceived as revolutionary, you might infer that he doesntthink it was truly revolutionary, only seen (perceived) thatway.

Try not to let your background knowledge of a topic get in

the way of your judgment. Stick to the what is presentedin the text. Stay away from answers that are far-fetched(illogical conclusions).

Some answers may be true outside of the text, so becareful with your answer choice.


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Inference Questions Key Words

May be worded as

It can be inferredfrom the passage that..

The phrase __________impliesthat..

The description of _______primarilysuggeststhat..


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Inference Practice Example

Question

Lines 10-13 (My motherheating supply company) suggest that the author s mother regarded the cold of the

American Midwest as

(A) more drastic that that of Vietnam

(B) an opportunity for economic success

(C) an obstacle to familial happiness

(D) symbolic of other challenges and problems

(E) unimportant to the familys future


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Answer Explanation

Step 1: Question-The word suggestsindicates that its an inference question. What do these lines say

about his mothers view of the cold in the Midwest?


After reading the lines, you should see that the mother helped the family profit form

the cold by selling heat.

Step 3: PredictSo look for an answer that says she profited or made money from it. Other answers,

even if true, are irrelevant.


A) Although A is certainly true, it is not specifically referred to in the lines cited.

B) Correct answer

C) There was no mention of the cold being an obstacle.D) Author doesnt say anything about the cold being symbolic.

E) Author doesnt say the cold was unimportant to the family (quite the opposite)


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Practice with Inference

Read the Power Point: How to Make

Inferences

Complete the exercises in the Pearson

Inference Packet.

Practice on Quia:

http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP

_rand=414280809
http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP_rand=414280809http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP_rand=414280809http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP_rand=414280809http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP_rand=414280809http://www.quia.com/pop/43335.html?AP_rand=414280809


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4. Vocabulary-In-Context

Asks about the meaning of a single word. these questionsdo not test your ability to define hard words likearchipelagoand garrulous.

Instead they test your ability to infer the meaning of aword from context.

The words in this section are fairly common words withmore than one definition, but only one word will work incontext.

Sometimes one of the answer choices will jump out atyou, and is the most common meaning, but it is RARELYthe right one. Its the obvious choice.

Use these obvious choices to your advantage byeliminating them if you get stuck.

Use the same strategies as Sentence Completionquestions.


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Vocabulary-In-Context Example

Question

As used in line 7, effect most nearly means

(A) imitate(B) result

(C)cause

(D)disturb

(E)prevent


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Answer Explanation

Step 1: Question-As used in line, refers to a specific word and indicates vocabulary in context.

Remember to focus on the word effect, which is both a noun and a verb, so you must

look at its use in the sentence to determine the meaning.


Go to the line indicated and reread from the beginning of the sentence, focusing on

the phrase to rise up and effect a change.

Step 3: Predict

Replace the word effect with a sensible meaning, like make


A) Imitate-to copy. There is nothing to copy, so thats out.

B) You may be tempted to choose result, but this is a noun, and the context

suggests a verb.

C) Cause can be a noun or verb, but in this case, it makes sense as a verb and

substitute for make, so its the correct answer.

D) Disturb does not relate to the context.

E) Prevent is the opposite meaning of the correct answer.


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Context Clues Practice

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider

_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.html

http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0

073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.html
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073123587/student_view0/chapter3/context_clues__exercise_1.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.htmlhttp://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.html


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Function Question Key

Words These questions are easy to spot, and are worded

as follows: The _________mentioned in lines 4-5 serves primarily

to..

The author uses the description of _____in lines 5-7

mainly to.. The second paragraph primarily serves to..

The author cites ______in lines 8-9 in order to..

is meant to..

is used to..

function as..

Be careful going through the answers. Sometimesyoull see an answer that is really a Big Pictureanswer, but its not the answer to a Functionquestion.


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Function Example Question

In line 1, the author invokes the Beat Generation in order to

(A) detail an earlier movement in music

(B) introduce the topic by illustrating a similarity

(C) imply the insignificance of grunge

(D) recall an important time in American cultural history

(E) emphasize grunges influence upon todays music


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Answer Explanation

Step 1: Question-

The words in order to indicate a function question. Remember to focus on the why?

not the what? So why does the author refer to the Beat Generation?


In this case, the question can be answered by referring to the first couple of lines.

Like the is a key phrase that a comparison is being made to the grunge musicians.

Step 3: Predict

The author wants to show that both groups were disgusted by the outcome of their

writing/music (in mainstream).

Step 4: Select the Best AnswerA) is a distortion. The first sentence clearly establishes that the Beats were writers, not musicians

B) is the correct answer.

C) is out of scope/opposite idea. The author never implies that the grunge movement was insignificant. By

invoking the Beats, the author is recalling an important time in cultural history.

D) but this is not the purpose for the authors doing so.

E) is out of scope. The author never mentions grunges influence upon mainstream culture of the early 90s.


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Function Practice

Complete these e-reading worksheets. To complete the task: Click on the link

Click on the play symbol

Click on the title of the story and enter your name.

The story will open in a new window. The questions will be in theprevious window.

Read the questions and scan for the answers.

Stories to choose from:

1. Submarines-http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/

2. Tigers-http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-

worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/3. Gutenberg-

http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/
http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-4-gutenberg/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-2-tigers/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/http://ereadingworksheets.com/reading-comprehension-worksheets/reading-test-1-submarines/


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Practice with all Skills

You will now look at some S.A.T.

practice questions and identify which

type of question it is.

Teacher show pages Test Practice page.

Documents

SAT EXAM Reading Strategies Short Passages.pptx