Reading Strategies for SAT & ACT
Reading comprehension is a skill you can improve with the right techniques. Learn how to read actively, approach different passage types, tackle evidence-based questions, and manage your time effectively.
Active Reading Techniques
Passive reading — where your eyes move across the words but your brain is not fully engaged — is the number one reason students struggle with reading sections. Here are five techniques to stay actively engaged.
Read the Blurb First
Every passage has an introductory blurb that tells you the source, author, and context. This takes 5 seconds and gives you a framework for understanding the passage before you start.
Identify the Main Idea Early
After reading the first paragraph, pause and ask: "What is this passage about?" Having a working thesis helps you process the rest of the passage faster and more accurately.
Note Transitions and Shifts
Words like "however," "nevertheless," "in contrast," and "moreover" signal shifts in the argument. These transitions are where the most important ideas live and where questions are often focused.
Mark Key Claims and Evidence
When the author makes a strong claim or provides key evidence, make a mental or physical note. The SAT and ACT frequently ask you to identify claims, evidence, and the relationship between them.
Summarize Each Paragraph
After each paragraph, take one second to summarize it in a few words in your head. This keeps you actively engaged and makes it much easier to locate information when answering questions.
Passage Types & Approaches
Different passage types require different reading strategies. Here is how to approach each one.
Literature / Prose Fiction
SAT & ACT- Pay attention to character emotions, motivations, and relationships
- Notice the narrative tone — is it reflective, urgent, melancholic?
- Track character development and changes across the passage
- Focus on dialogue for character insight
- Do not over-interpret — stick to what the text actually says
Social Science / History
SAT & ACT- Identify the author's thesis or main argument in the first two paragraphs
- Look for cause-and-effect relationships
- Note specific data, dates, or statistics used as evidence
- Pay attention to the author's tone — objective, critical, supportive?
- For paired passages (SAT), identify where authors agree and disagree
Natural Science
SAT & ACT- Focus on the scientific process: hypothesis, method, results, conclusion
- Pay close attention to graphs, tables, and figures
- Understand the relationship between variables
- Note any limitations or qualifications the author mentions
- Do not worry about technical vocabulary — context clues are always provided
Humanities
ACT primarily- Identify whether the passage is argumentative, informative, or reflective
- Pay attention to the author's personal perspective and voice
- Note references to specific works, ideas, or cultural elements
- Track the author's reasoning and how they build their argument
- Look for the "so what" — why does the author think this matters?
Mastering Evidence-Based Questions
Best Evidence Questions (SAT)
These questions ask "which lines best support your answer to the previous question?" Read the previous question first, identify what claim needs support, then find the specific lines. The correct evidence must directly support your answer — not just be related to the topic.
Command of Evidence (SAT)
These test whether you can identify how evidence is used within a passage. Ask: Is this evidence supporting a claim, providing a counterexample, or illustrating a concept? Understanding the function of evidence is key.
Referring and Reasoning (ACT)
ACT reading questions fall into two categories: referring (finding specific details) and reasoning (drawing conclusions). For referring questions, scan for keywords. For reasoning questions, consider the broader context and author's purpose.
Inference Questions
The correct answer to inference questions is always strongly supported by the text — it should feel almost obvious when you find the right evidence. If you are making a big logical leap, the answer is probably wrong.
Time Management
SAT Reading & Writing
- -Each question has its own short passage — read the passage and answer in about 70 seconds
- -Do not re-read passages multiple times; one focused read is enough
- -If stuck after 90 seconds, make your best guess and move on
- -Easier questions come first within each module — bank time early
ACT Reading
- -Read the passage in 3-4 minutes, answer 10 questions in 4-5 minutes
- -Start with your strongest passage type to build confidence
- -Skim the passage for structure rather than reading every word
- -Answer detail questions quickly by scanning for keywords, save inference questions for last