There is one universal trick that helps students worldwide prepare for the SAT Reading test. When it comes to acing this section, it’s all about finding the right materials that make learning fun and effective. So, let’s dive in and discover what books to read for SAT to improve your comprehension and crush the tasks easily on the test day!
What’s on the SAT’s Reading Section?
First things first: what should you expect on the exam? You won’t face the Reading section on the digital SAT. Instead, Reading will be a part of the Reading and Writing section. Here, you’ll have to read short passages and answer the questions that fall into four categories:
- Craft and Structure (≈28% / 13-15 questions)
- Information and Ideas (≈26% / 12-14 questions)
- Standard English Conventions (≈26% / 11-15 questions)
- Expression of Ideas (≈20% / 8-12 questions)
They’re offered from easiest to hardest to help you manage your time more effectively. The test is split into two equal and separately timed modules. Each of them has 2 pretest questions and 25 operational questions, covering topics from all four categories. What about the reading passages? They can be anywhere from 25 to 150 words long. These passages cover literature, history/social studies, humanities, and science.
What else should you know? In the Reading and Writing section, all questions are multiple-choice. It means you have four options to choose from, and only one is the correct answer, known as the “key.” The other three options are called “distractors.” They are tempting to choose, and students might pick them if they misinterpret the question. However, none of the distractors is supposed to be as good as the key for students who understand the material well.
SAT Reading List: How to Improve SAT Reading Score
Many students find the reading part of the SAT tough. It is understandable: a passage might talk about things you don’t know or contain complex words with dozens of meanings. Besides, the way they’re written might be tricky. That’s why knowing what to read for the SAT prep can help. So, what’s on this list?
- Great works of literature. They are the very foundation of the English language.
- Magazines and newspapers. They help you learn modern language from the top columnists and journalists.
- College Board practice tests. Try to examine what to expect on the SAT.
- SAT vocabulary. Use it to get acquainted with the most complex and most intricate words.
To make the connections the reading tasks require, you need more than just a good vocabulary. You need to read a lot. You aren’t supposed to know everything, but you have to grasp things quickly. Like, for example, in the question below.
Source: College Board
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What Books to Read for SAT?
The questions from the SAT Reading and Writing section require the skills you’ll need in college and maybe your future career (who knows!). So, what best prepares you for the SAT Reading exam? Dive into the greatest works of literature! Here are some SAT books that will be helpful for your test prep:
- Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
- Native Son by Richard Wright
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- To Kill the Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Source: New York Times
If you still wonder why you even need to read these books, let’s take a look at one of the book-based questions:
“[Jay Gatsby] was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with
that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American—
that comes, I suppose, with the absence of lifting work in youth and,
even more, with the formless grace of our nervous, sporadic games.
This quality was continually breaking through his punctilious manner
in the shape of restlessness.”
As used in the text, what does the word “quality” most nearly mean?
A) Characteristic
B) Standard
C) Prestige
D) Accomplishment
Correct answer: A
As you see, you will need a good understanding of vocabulary and the knowledge of the plot to aim for higher scores. Both skills are connected and depend on each other a lot.
Newspapers and Magazines: Which Should You Choose?
While exploring classic literature, you may take breaks to read about modern life from newspapers and scientific magazines. Just picture it: you will understand what a good text is and learn a lot on different topics. Try these:
- The New York Times (Editorials, News, Opinion)
- Scientific American (Science)
- The Washington Post (Opinions section)
- National Geographic (Science, History)
Source: National Geographic
In case you are already a regular reader of these resources – good for you! It means your reading skills are good enough, and all you have to do is keep practicing.
Why do you need both literature and papers? Well, reading various types of materials and practicing different kinds of tests will help you get ready for almost every part of the SAT. This will not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you learn how to focus for long periods of time. This skill is vital because the SAT is lengthy, and you’ll need to stay concentrated throughout it.
Conclusion
Preparing for the digital SAT may be less scary than before: the reading section will be shorter. Still, if you need extra help, consider getting a tutor. Make sure you are familiar with the material and know what to focus on to enhance your test-taking skills. Besides, learn all the technical facts about the exam sections, like their duration and structure. Practice exams, work on evidence-based reading, and enjoy reading adventures. Any SAT book from the list will bring you joy and freedom of thought. Good luck!
