How to Score High on the SAT Reading Test
The SAT Reading Test is often considered more difficult than the ACT Reading Test—and for good reason. It includes connected questions, supplementary material like charts or graphs, and passages that appear in random order. These features can trip up even strong readers if they’re not prepared. That’s why it’s critical not to underestimate the SAT Reading section. Keep reading to learn how we train our students to tackle these specific challenges head-on!
Use Passage Descriptions to Your Advantage
Unlike the ACT Reading Test, the SAT Reading Test does not clearly label the genre of each passage. This adds an extra layer of difficulty, since students must work a bit harder to identify whether a passage falls under literary narrative, social science, humanities, or natural science. However, there’s a helpful workaround: the SAT provides short descriptions above each passage. These introductions often contain valuable background details that offer context and subtle clues about the genre. Before diving into the passage or the questions, students should slow down and read these descriptions carefully. Doing so will make the passage easier to understand—and help guide how to approach the questions that follow.
Unpredictable Passage Order Requires Strategy
The SAT Reading Test differs from the ACT Reading Test in that it presents five passages in a random order, rather than four passages in a fixed sequence—literary narrative, social science, humanities, and natural science. Furthermore, the SAT Reading Test has a total of 52 questions distributed unevenly across the passages, with each passage typically containing 10 to 11 questions. Therefore, students need to be ready for the variability in both content and structure. This random order also means students may face passages from genres they find more difficult. To better prepare, we recommend that students read widely across different genres, not just those in their comfort zone. Additionally, managing time effectively is crucial. Because the questions are not evenly distributed, students often miscalculate their pacing. It is important to remain mindful of time and adjust as needed.
Be Ready for Supplementary Material Questions
Most students are used to reading text-only passages, but the SAT Reading Test includes an extra challenge: interpreting supplementary material. Unlike the ACT, the SAT features two random passages that include charts, graphs, tables, or maps—typically placed at the end of the passage. These visuals usually correspond to two or three questions located toward the end of the question set for that passage. While this material may look intimidating at first, it’s not meant to trick students. The key is to slow down and carefully examine the data. Pay close attention to labels, trends, and units of measurement. With practice and attention to detail, students can easily earn full credit on these questions.
How to Tackle Connected Questions and Line Evidence
One of the trickiest features of the SAT Reading Test is the use of connected questions—pairs of questions where the second depends heavily on how you answered the first. For example, the first question might ask you to identify a theme or argument in the passage, and the next will ask you to cite the specific lines that support your answer. If the first answer is wrong, there’s a high chance the second will be too—like knocking over a row of dominoes.
To handle these questions effectively, students can choose from two strategic approaches:
Answer First, Then Prove It: Read and answer the first question, then use that answer to find the supporting line evidence in the second question.
Look at the Evidence First (recommended for students who struggle): Skim the first question and its choices, then review the evidence line numbers provided in the second question’s answer choices. Go back and answer the first question after checking which evidence makes the most sense.
We recommend the second strategy for students who find these question pairs especially challenging and have a bit of extra time to work through them carefully.
Paired Passages with Connected Questions
Much like the ACT Reading Test’s “Passage A” and “Passage B” format, the SAT Reading Test includes one section with two shorter paired passages, labeled “Passage 1” and “Passage 2”. These passages may share similar viewpoints—or more often—present entirely opposing perspectives. But don’t worry! The real challenge is not the disagreement between authors, but the connected questions that follow. These questions often require students to identify evidence line numbers for prior questions, which can be especially tricky when analyzing two authors and two sets of arguments. The key is to stay focused. Students must read carefully, noting which passage the question refers to, and be prepared to synthesize information from both texts when necessary.
Want More SAT Reading Strategies?
The strategies shared above are just a few of the many techniques we teach students aiming for high SAT Reading scores. If you have questions about how to improve your performance, want to share tips that have worked for you, or have suggestions for future blog topics, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to comment and connect with fellow students and parents! If you're interested in SAT training, please complete our Private Class Registration Form on the Private Classes page or contact our Customer Service Team for more information. Good luck, SAT students!
