SAT Reading and Writing: Mastering Craft and Structure

Words in Context

SAT questions that ask for the meaning of a word or phrase as it is used in a specific passage, not its memorized dictionary meaning.

Context window

The surrounding sentences you read to find clues that clarify a word’s meaning, such as examples, contrasts, or restatements.

Paraphrase

Restating a sentence in simpler language to understand the role a word or phrase is playing before looking at answer choices.

Denotation

A word’s literal dictionary meaning.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural feeling a word carries beyond its literal meaning.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject, such as praise, criticism, skepticism, or neutrality.

Multiple-meaning words

Words with more than one possible meaning, where the correct meaning depends on the passage’s context.

Hedging

Language that softens or limits a claim, using words such as "often," "may," or "suggests."

Text Structure and Purpose

A question type that asks how a passage is organized and why the author included particular parts.

Overall purpose

The main reason an author wrote a passage or paragraph, such as to explain, argue, analyze, or narrate.

Sentence function

The specific job a sentence does in a passage, such as introducing a topic, giving evidence, clarifying a term, or qualifying a claim.

Claim–Evidence–Explanation

An argumentative structure in which an author makes a point, supports it with data or examples, and explains why that support matters.

Problem–Solution

A structure in which an author presents an issue and then proposes a way to address it.

Compare/Contrast

A structure that examines two ideas, methods, or perspectives to show similarities, differences, or tradeoffs.

Chronological/Process

A structure that presents events or steps in time order to explain development or how something works.

Transition words and signposts

Words and phrases that reveal the structure of a passage by signaling contrast, addition, cause/effect, examples, or clarification.

Contrast markers

Signal words such as "however," "yet," and "although" that indicate a counterpoint or shift in direction.

Clarification markers

Words and phrases such as "in other words" and "that is" that restate or explain an idea more clearly.

Cross-Text Connections

Questions that ask you to compare two texts by relating their claims, reasoning, tone, or conclusions.

Central claim

The main point or argument a text makes, which you must identify before comparing it with another text.

Agreement

A relationship in which two texts reach the same general conclusion, even if they use different evidence or reasoning.

Disagreement

A relationship in which two texts reach different conclusions or interpret similar evidence in different ways.

Qualification

A relationship in which one text partly agrees with another but adds limits, conditions, or exceptions.

Different focus

A relationship in which two texts address related topics but concentrate on different questions or aspects of the issue.

Match the claim

A comparison method in which you identify a claim in one text and determine whether the other text supports, challenges, or reframes it.