SAT Reading — Craft and Structure Quick Reference

Core Concepts

Words in Context

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Text Structure (Whole Passage)

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Sentence Function (Part of Passage)

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Rhetorical Synthesis

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Strategy	Detail
Always return to the passage	Never answer from memory alone
Cover the underlined word	Think: what word makes sense here?
Substitution test	Plug each answer into the sentence; which makes sense?
Watch for connotation	Tone matters: "persistent" (positive) ≠ "stubborn" (negative)
"Dictionary definition" trap	Common meaning of the word is often a wrong answer
Structure Type	Clue Words/Pattern
Claim → Evidence	Author makes argument, then supports with data/examples
Problem → Solution	Problem described, then remedy presented
Compare/Contrast	Two things shown side by side; similarities/differences highlighted
Chronological	Time markers (first, then, finally, in 1990, by 2005)
Cause → Effect	"led to," "as a result," "caused," "because"
Function	What it does
Introduces main idea	States the thesis or central claim
Provides example	Illustrates a broader claim with a specific case
Transitions	Moves from one idea to another
Concedes	Acknowledges the opposing view before the author's rebuttal
Concludes	Wraps up the argument or summarizes the passage
Step	Action
1	Read ALL bullet-point notes carefully
2	Identify the SPECIFIC writing goal in the question
3	Predict what a good answer looks like
4	Two-part test: (1) accurate info from notes? AND (2) accomplishes the stated goal?

Both conditions must be met. Accurate but wrong goal = wrong answer. Common writing goals:

• State main claim → Summarize the central argument in one sentence

• Compare two findings → Use contrast language (while, whereas, unlike)

• Emphasize surprising result → "Unexpectedly," "Contrary to expectations"

• Show cause-and-effect → "Because," "As a result," "Led to"

• Introduce → Set context + hint at central argument

Common Exam Traps

• Words in context: The most common meaning of a word is often wrong — context overrides dictionary

• Structure: Answer must accurately describe ALL parts of the passage, not just the beginning or end

• Sentence function: Read the sentence BEFORE and AFTER the target sentence to determine its role

• Rhetorical synthesis: An answer can be 100% accurate but still wrong if it doesn't accomplish the stated goal

• Rhetorical synthesis: Never add information not in the notes — accuracy to the source is required