SAT Reading Comprehension: Science Passages

Science passages cover topics in natural sciences such as biology and physics, as well as in social sciences such as sociology and psychology. Sounds fun, right? Actually, it is a tiny bit more fun if you know how these passages are generally set up on the SAT. Science passages usually proceed by:

1) introducing a narrow topic
2) expanding upon it with the use of basic concepts and examples
3) drawing a conclusion

For instance, a science passage might begin by introducing the subject of chimpanzee intelligence. The passage would then continue by citing chimpanzees’ use of language and tools, supporting these abilities with examples. Finally, the passage would draw a conclusion about the intelligence of chimpanzees.

TIPS FOR SCIENCE PASSAGES: SAT, PSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL

Tip 1
When answering line questions, utilize the facts you learned in the passage about the selected science topic and about its examples. These two components are integrated into every question about the passage, with the exception of definition-in-context questions.

In the aforementioned example, the ideas of “chimpanzees” and “intelligence” would occur regularly in correct answer choices.

Tip 2
If you have any knowledge of the science discussed in a passage, for the love of god, do not use it to select answer choices. Save your knowledge for other situations, and stick to the passage and its facts.

Tip 3
Except when they occur as double passages, the attitude of science passages is generally neutral and their primary purpose is generally to explain.

Reading: Science Passages

Lesson Includes:

—Overview of SAT Science Passages

—Tips for SAT Science Passages

SAT Math

SAT Writing

SAT Reading

SAT Vocabulary