📚SAT (Digital) Unit 6 – SAT Reading & Writing – Craft and Structure

Key Concepts

• Craft and structure questions assess your ability to analyze how authors construct their passages and convey meaning
• Focus on examining the overall structure, purpose, and style of a passage rather than just the content
• Requires close reading skills to identify and interpret the author's choices in organizing and presenting information
• Understanding the author's point of view, tone, and use of language is crucial for answering these questions effectively
• Recognizing common literary devices (metaphors, similes, irony) helps in analyzing the author's style and message
• Comparing and contrasting multiple texts on the same topic tests your ability to synthesize information and identify different perspectives
• Practice active reading strategies (annotating, summarizing) to engage with the text and identify key elements of craft and structure

Analyzing Text Structure

• Text structure refers to the way an author organizes and presents information in a passage
• Common text structures include chronological order, cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, and description
• Identifying the text structure helps in understanding the main ideas and the relationships between different parts of the passage
• Authors may use transitions (however, furthermore, in contrast) to signal shifts in the structure or to connect ideas
• Paying attention to the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion can reveal the overall structure and progression of the passage
• Some questions may ask about the function of a specific paragraph or sentence in relation to the entire passage
• Analyzing the structure can also help in identifying the author's purpose and main argument

Understanding Author's Purpose

• Author's purpose refers to the reason why the author wrote the passage and what they aim to achieve
• Common purposes include to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or to express an opinion
• Identifying the author's purpose helps in understanding the main message and evaluating the effectiveness of the passage
• Look for clues in the title, introduction, and conclusion that may reveal the author's intention
• Examine the tone and language used by the author to determine whether they are presenting facts, making an argument, or telling a story
• Consider the intended audience and how the author tailors their message to appeal to that specific group
• Analyzing the author's background and expertise can provide context for understanding their purpose and perspective

Interpreting Word Choice and Tone

• Word choice refers to the specific language and vocabulary used by the author to convey meaning and create a desired effect
• Tone is the attitude or emotional stance of the author towards the subject matter, which can be conveyed through word choice and style
• Examining connotations (implied meanings) of words can reveal the author's attitude and help in interpreting the tone
• Identifying patterns in word choice (repetition, synonyms, antonyms) can emphasize key ideas and create a cohesive message
• Analyzing the use of figurative language (metaphors, similes) can add depth and imagery to the passage
• Paying attention to the use of positive, negative, or neutral words can indicate the author's stance on the topic
• Tone can range from formal to informal, serious to humorous, objective to subjective, depending on the author's purpose and intended audience

Identifying Literary Devices

• Literary devices are techniques used by authors to enhance the meaning, create imagery, or evoke emotions in the reader
• Common literary devices include metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and irony
• Metaphors compare two unlike things to highlight a shared characteristic or idea (life is a rollercoaster)
• Similes also make comparisons but use "like" or "as" to connect the two elements (as brave as a lion)
• Personification gives human qualities to non-human objects or ideas (the wind whispered through the trees)
• Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect (I've told you a million times)
• Irony involves a contradiction between what is said and what is meant, or between expectations and reality
  • Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of a statement is different from the intended meaning
  • Situational irony happens when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected
  • Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more than the characters in a story
• Identifying these devices can help in analyzing the author's style, message, and intended effect on the reader

Comparing Multiple Texts

• Some questions may ask you to compare and contrast two or more passages on the same topic
• Comparing texts involves identifying similarities in their content, structure, purpose, or style
• Contrasting texts focuses on the differences in their perspectives, arguments, or approaches to the topic
• When comparing, look for common themes, ideas, or examples that are discussed in both passages
• When contrasting, identify the unique points each author makes and how they differ in their opinions or interpretations
• Analyze the tone and language used by each author to determine their attitude towards the subject matter
• Consider the background and expertise of each author and how it may influence their perspective
• Synthesize information from both passages to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each author's argument or presentation of information

Practice Strategies

• Read the passage actively by annotating, underlining, or taking notes on key points related to craft and structure
• Identify the main idea and purpose of the passage early on to guide your analysis of the author's choices
• Pay attention to transitions, shifts in tone, and changes in the structure that may signal important points
• Analyze the effect of specific words, phrases, or literary devices on the meaning and tone of the passage
• Ask yourself questions about the author's intentions, intended audience, and how they convey their message
• When comparing multiple texts, create a list of similarities and differences to organize your thoughts
• Eliminate answer choices that are irrelevant, too narrow, or not supported by evidence from the passage
• Practice timed reading and question sets to improve your pacing and ability to identify key elements quickly

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Don't rely solely on your personal opinion or prior knowledge when answering questions; focus on the evidence presented in the passage
• Be careful not to misinterpret figurative language or take statements out of context
• Avoid selecting answer choices that are too extreme or absolute, as they are often incorrect
• Don't get distracted by minor details that are not essential to the main idea or purpose of the passage
• Read all answer choices carefully before selecting the best one; some may be partially correct but not the most complete or accurate
• If you are unsure about a question, try to eliminate the choices you know are incorrect and make an educated guess from the remaining options
• Manage your time effectively by not spending too long on any one question; you can always come back to it later if time allows
• Trust your instincts and don't second-guess yourself too much; your first impression is often correct if you have read the passage carefully