Don’t assume the first answer you read is the right one, and don’t assume that A is wrong before you read all the choices.

If you find that you frequently eliminate the correct answer and then make a less than ideal choice from the lesser of 2 bad choices, you might be getting trapped by making assumptions.

One way to counteract this assumption is to read the answer choices in reverse, that is start with choice D and then C,B, and A.

Yes, use process of elimination, but you need to be certain about why you are eliminating an answer. Read all 4 choices before you start eliminating choices.

These are the most common way that wrong answers are created.

• Opposite of what is stated in the passage (Contrary to Fact)
• Extreme wording
• Too Broad
• Too Narrow
• Off Topic
• Wrong Part of the Passage

For detailed explanations of these structures, you can download my FREE Guide to SAT Reading: Literature Passages and read a complete explanation in Chapter 5.

SAT Literature