SAT rhetoric m.c. slideshare
- 1. #5 Analyzing word choice Questions will ask you to determine how specific words or phrases create meaning and tone in the passage. Word choice is also referred to as diction.
- 2. Example and strategy One way to approach questions like this is to rephrase the question using How What or Why, and then answer your version of the question in your own words. This question might be rephrased like this: "What do the words "exact," "specific," and "complement" DO in the last paragraph?" Then, before looking at the choices, go back to the last paragraph and formulate an answer to your question. Then cross out the choices that don't match your answer. Trust yourself!
- 3. Now, answer # 35 on your assignment
- 4. #2 Analyzing text structure Questions focus on the overall structure of a text and on analysis of the relationship between a particular part of the text (e.g., a sentence) and the whole text.
- 5. Example and strategy When tackling questions like this, it can help to answer the question in your own words before looking at the choices. Rephrase the question so you can take control of it: "How is the passage structured? What is the function of each paragraph?" Then, review the passage (the first and last sentences of each paragraph are usually most important), and answer your question in your own words. Also, look at the choices and note key words that make them different from each other - "traditional practice" is very different from "meaningful encounter," "series of questions," and "amusing anecdote." Only one will accurately reflect what is happening in the passage.
- 6. Now, answer #21 on your assignment
- 7. #4 Point of View Questions will ask you to determine the point of view or perspective from which a passage is told, or identify the influence this point of view or perspective has on content and style.
- 8. Example and strategy Your first step on a question like this might be to identify the point of each passage, then say it back to yourself in your own words. If you don't quite understand the main point or primary purpose, then review the first and last paragraphs to refresh your memory.
- 9. Answer #40 on your assignment sheet
- 10. #1 Purpose Questions will ask you to determine the main purpose of a paragraph. You can also think of this as the point - as in “What’s the point?”
- 11. Example and strategy Questions that ask about the purpose of a piece of text are best handled by rephrasing the question: "What does the first paragraph DO?" Then, review the piece of text and answer your question in your own words. Cross out the choices that don't match your answer. NOTE: this is a much better, more careful approach than 1) reading the question 2) reading the choices and 3) choosing the one that looks best. This technique is also faster than looking at each choice and trying to figure out whether it works. Know what you want before you start looking!
- 12. Answer #25 on your assignment
- 13. #3 Argument Questions will ask you to analyze arguments for their content and structure. An argument can also be thought of as a central claim or idea.
- 14. Example and Strategy A great way to approach questions like this: Rephrase – "What is the central claim?" Then, answer in your own words. Finally, cross out the choices that don't match. Avoid reading through the choices until you know what you are looking for, and you won't waste time giving the choices the benefit of the doubt.
- 15. Answer #23 on your assignment
- 16. #6 Reading comp with evidence Questions will ask you to comprehend what you are reading. This includes inferring something based on evidence or understanding what the author is implying.
- 17. Example and Strategy What can be reasonably inferred about gliding animals from the passage? A) Their young tend to hop along beside their parents instead of flying behind them. B) Their method of locomotion is similar to that of ground birds. C) They use the ground for feeding more often than for perching. D) They do not use a flapping stroke to aid in climbing slopes. For this type of question, use the strategy from yesterday: 1. cover the answer choices with your hand 2. LOOK FOR EVIDENCE - don’t be a rushed or lazy thinker, be smart! 3. answer the question in your mind 4. Pick the answer that is closest to your idea
- 18. Now answer #32 and #33