We’re continuing our focus on types of questions asked in the [info:'sat-reading-comprehension' SAT Reading Comprehension] section, and this week we’re looking specifically at technique questions. Like many other comprehension questions all the information you’ll need to find the answer is in the text, however with technique questions you’ll need to be aware of speficic types of literary devices (like metaphors, allusion, or irony) in order to decode the author’s meaning and answer the question. The good news? Usually there are less of these types of questions than any other reading comprehension question. Here are some tips to help you through this often troublesome section.
- Brush up on your definitions. If you can’t recognize a simile (a comparison drawn between two things using the words like or as), an oxymoron (a combining of two words that mean to opposite into one expression, such as a wise fool) or a cliché (an expression that has been so overused it’s lost it’s expressive power) you will not do well on this section. It may be time for you to break out the flash cards.
- Eliminate impossible answers first. If you know your definitions, you can cross out some of the options before having to think too hard. For example, if there is no comparison in the highlighted passage yet simile or metaphor are listed among the answers, you know you can eliminate those as both of these literary techniques require a comparison.
- Don’t forget the author’s purpose. Knowing what point the author is trying to make in the passage can also help you identify the technique being used. For example, if you know the passage is making an argument in favour of something yet the highlighted phrase seems contradictory, the author may be using sarcasm or irony to make their point.
Read the full article: Tips for Technique Questions