How to Boost Your SAT Reading Score

The SAT Reading section makes up half of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. The scoring for the EBRW starts by counting the questions you answer correctly and is later scaled to 800 points. Here are some tips to maximize the number of questions you answer correctly and ultimately increase the score you receive out of 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

     1. Do the Main Idea Questions Last

This is a strategy to boost your SAT scores by targeting your time management skills. Saving the big picture questions for last will give you multiple opportunities to look at the text’s details through the little picture, function, words in context, evidence support, or analogy questions. The goal is to provide yourself with opportunities to look at the entire text before answering the main idea questions so you don’t have to spend time digging for evidence to answer main idea questions.

     2. Know What to Expect

Boost your reading score by having realistic expectations for the style and difficulty of the reading material. You will encounter five passages in the Reading section, covering topics in literature, history, and science. You will have to read the five passages and answer 52 questions in 65 minutes. It is essential to practice time management in this section of the SAT test, but it is equally important to be sure you are reading effectively. Rushing through the passages will get you nowhere if your scores are negatively impacted by poor reading comprehension. Knowing what to expect from your performance is also a great way to target your weak points. Use the SAT practice test to build up your reading speed and get accustomed with the type of question asked in the exam.

    3. Base Your Answers on the Text, Not Outside Information

An important thing to remember is that the Reading section of the SAT test examines your skills in reading comprehension, not your knowledge of the topic. Making assumptions based on your outside knowledge can harm your score. Base each answer on what you have read in the text. You can boost your score by monitoring whether you are eliminating answer choices or selecting the correct answer through evidence in the passage or outside information.

     4. Read in the Order That Works for You

Increase your score by finding the reading order that works best for you. For some students, reading the questions first, then reading the passage, then answering the questions works best. Others find the most success reading the passage in detail, then reading and answering the questions. Another option is to skim the passage, then read and answer the questions.

You can practice the Reading section of the SAT exam and set realistic expectations by taking practice tests. See how these tips impact your results through UWorld’s SAT Prep course, where you can find practice tests with detailed explanations and performance tracking tools to boost your scores!