Questions
Answers
1. Read the following text and answer the questions that follow.
2. Read the following text and do the tasks.
B. Answer the following questions.
3. Read the following text and do the task.
B. Answer the following questions.
4. Read the following text and do the task that follow.
B. Write 'TRUE' for the true statement and 'FALSE' for the false statement:
C. Answer the following questions:
5. Write a paragraph stating the advantages of walking as a physical exercise in about 100 words.
You can use the given clues.
6. Write a news story with the help of the given clues in about 100 words.
7. Write a set of six rules and regulations to be followed by the patients in a hospital in about 150 words.
8. A large number of youths and professionals leave Nepal and migrate abroad each year. Write a letter to your friend who lives in a foreign country expressing your opinion about the effects of such migration. Also include suggestions and solutions to the problems caused by such migration in about 200 words.
9. Reproduce the following sentences as indicated in the brackets.
10. Choose and copy the correct answer. Rewriting is not required. (10x0.5=5)
SAT Reading
& Writing
Strategy Guide
Master Every Question Type — Craft, Evidence, Grammar, and Style
The SAT Reading and Writing section tests whether you can read closely, use evidence, apply grammar rules, and improve written expression. This guide breaks down every question type, explains what the test is really asking, and gives you proven strategies to earn every point.
Section Overview
The Reading and Writing section has 54 questions across two adaptive modules, totaling 64 minutes. Questions are drawn from four domains:
Domain | What It Tests |
Craft and Structure | Vocabulary in context, text structure, purpose, and cross-text connections |
Information and Ideas | Central idea, details, command of evidence, and inferences |
Standard English Conventions | Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and usage |
Expression of Ideas | Transitions, rhetorical synthesis, and effective language use |
Each question is based on a short passage (or two paired passages). Passages come from literature, history, social science, and natural science. You will not be tested on background knowledge — everything you need is in the text.
Key Format Facts 54 questions | 64 minutes across two modules (~71 seconds per question) Module 2 adapts based on Module 1 performance — scoring well in Module 1 unlocks a higher-difficulty Module 2 Each question is tied to a short passage of 25–150 words No outside knowledge required — all answers come from the passage No guessing penalty — always answer every question |
Domain 1: Craft and Structure
This domain tests how well you understand word choice, text structure, and an author's purpose. It is the most conceptually demanding domain on the test.
Words in Context
These questions give you a word or phrase in a passage and ask you to choose the best replacement, or identify what the word most nearly means. This is NOT a vocabulary quiz. The answer always depends on how the word is used in context.
Strategy: The Blank Method
• Step 1: Cover the word being tested with your finger.
• Step 2: Re-read the sentence and predict your own word for the blank.
• Step 3: Find the answer choice that closest matches your prediction.
• Step 4: Plug it back in and confirm it makes sense in the full passage context.
Watch Out: Familiar Meanings The SAT often uses common words in less common ways. Example: 'critical' might mean 'essential' in context, not 'judgmental'. Always read the surrounding sentences before locking in an answer. If your chosen word changes the meaning of the sentence, it is wrong. |
Text Structure and Purpose
These questions ask why the author wrote something, how a paragraph or sentence functions, or how a text is organized. Common question stems:
• 'The main purpose of the passage is...'
• 'The author includes [detail] primarily to...'
• 'The structure of the passage can best be described as...'
Common Text Structures
Structure | Signal Words / Pattern |
Cause and Effect | because, therefore, as a result, consequently, leads to |
Compare and Contrast | however, on the other hand, similarly, unlike, in contrast |
Problem and Solution | the challenge is, one approach, to address this |
Chronological | first, then, next, finally, by [year], after |
Claim and Evidence | argues that, supports this with, evidence suggests |
Cross-Text Connections
Some questions pair two short texts and ask how they relate. The authors might agree, disagree, complement each other, or one might extend the other's argument.
• Read Text 1 and identify the main claim.
• Read Text 2 and identify its main claim.
• Ask: Would Author 2 agree or disagree with Author 1? Why?
• The correct answer will accurately reflect both authors' positions.
Cross-Text Trap: Partial Agreement Wrong answers often make one author agree too strongly or disagree when they'd actually be neutral. Stick closely to what the text actually says. Don't over-infer. If a text doesn't address a topic, that author has no stated opinion on it. |
Domain 2: Information and Ideas
This domain tests reading comprehension at its deepest level — finding the main idea, locating supporting details, drawing inferences, and evaluating evidence.
Central Ideas and Details
Central idea questions ask what a passage is mainly about. Detail questions ask about specific information stated in the text.
• For central idea: ask yourself 'What is the author's main point?' before reading the answer choices.
• Eliminate answers that are too narrow (a single detail) or too broad (something the passage doesn't cover).
• For detail questions: locate the specific section of the passage before answering. Don't rely on memory.
Command of Evidence: Textual
These questions ask you to find the part of the passage that best supports a given claim, or to complete a claim using evidence from the text.
Two Question Types
• Evidence support questions: 'Which quotation from the passage best supports the conclusion that...' — find the quote that most directly proves the claim.
• Claim-evidence pairs: you are given an incomplete claim and must select both the best claim AND the best evidence together. Evaluate the pair as a unit.
Strategy: Textual Evidence The evidence must DIRECTLY support the claim — not merely be related to the topic. For pair questions, eliminate any option where either the claim or evidence is weak. Beware of evidence that sounds relevant but proves a slightly different point. The strongest evidence answers the question the claim is making. |
Command of Evidence: Quantitative
These questions include a passage and a table, graph, or chart. You must use the data to support, complete, or evaluate a claim in the passage.
• Read the graph title, axis labels, and units first.
• Identify exactly what data point the question is asking about.
• Find the matching value in the graph or table.
• Choose the answer whose claim is accurately supported by that data point.
Common Quantitative Traps Wrong answers often misread the scale, confuse rows/columns, or cite the wrong year. Watch for answer choices that are directionally correct but numerically off. The data must actually support the claim — not just be consistent with the general topic. |
Inferences
Inference questions ask you to draw a logical conclusion that is supported by the text but not directly stated.
• The answer must be supported by specific evidence in the passage.
• Eliminate answers that go too far beyond what the text says.
• Eliminate answers that restate what is already explicitly stated (that's a detail, not an inference).
• Ask: 'What must be true based on this passage?' — not 'What could be true?'
Domain 3: Standard English Conventions
Grammar questions make up roughly 25-30% of the section. They are the most rule-based questions on the test — learn the rules cold and they become reliable points.
Punctuation
Commas
• After an introductory phrase: 'After the storm, the streets were quiet.'
• In a list of three or more: 'red, white, and blue' (Oxford comma is accepted)
• Around a non-essential clause: 'My teacher, who retired last year, was brilliant.'
• Never use a comma to join two independent clauses alone — that is a comma splice.
Semicolons and Colons
• Semicolons: join two closely related independent clauses. Both sides must be complete sentences.
• Colons: introduce a list, explanation, or example. What comes before the colon must be a complete sentence.
• Dashes: can replace commas, semicolons, or colons for emphasis. A pair of dashes sets off a parenthetical.
The Most Tested Punctuation Rule You cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma. This is called a comma splice. Fix it with: a period, a semicolon, or a comma + coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example wrong: 'She studied all night, she passed the exam.' Example right: 'She studied all night; she passed the exam.' OR 'She studied all night, so she passed the exam.' |
Subject-Verb Agreement
• The verb must match the subject in number — not the nearest noun.
• Phrases between subject and verb are traps: 'The quality of the paintings [is/are] excellent.' — subject is 'quality', so use 'is'.
• Inverted sentences: 'There are three reasons...' — subject is 'reasons', verb is 'are'.
• Collective nouns (team, group, committee) take singular verbs in American English.
Pronoun Agreement and Reference
• Pronouns must agree with their antecedent in number: a singular noun takes a singular pronoun.
• Avoid ambiguous references: if 'it' or 'they' could refer to more than one noun, the sentence needs revision.
• Pronoun case: use 'who' for subjects, 'whom' for objects.
Verb Tense and Mood
• Tense must be consistent within a passage unless a time shift is logically justified.
• Past perfect (had + verb): use for an action completed before another past action.
• Subjunctive mood: use 'were' (not 'was') in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact statements. 'If she were here...'
Sentence Structure
Error Type | What It Is / How to Fix |
Fragment | Missing a subject, verb, or complete thought. Add what's missing or connect to another clause. |
Run-on | Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation. Add a period, semicolon, or conjunction. |
Comma Splice | Two independent clauses joined with only a comma. Same fix as a run-on. |
Dangling Modifier | An introductory phrase that doesn't logically modify the subject. Rewrite so the subject follows the comma. |
Parallel Structure | Items in a list or comparison must share the same grammatical form: all nouns, all gerunds, etc. |
Frequently Confused Words
Word Pair | Rule |
its / it's | 'its' = possessive. 'it's' = it is. |
their / there / they're | 'their' = possessive. 'there' = place. 'they're' = they are. |
affect / effect | 'affect' = verb (to influence). 'effect' = noun (the result). Exception: 'to effect change' = to bring about. |
who / whom | 'who' = subject. 'whom' = object. Test: substitute he/him. 'He' → who. 'Him' → whom. |
fewer / less | 'fewer' = countable nouns. 'less' = uncountable nouns. |
lie / lay | 'lie' = to recline (intransitive). 'lay' = to place something (transitive, needs an object). |
Domain 4: Expression of Ideas
Expression of Ideas questions ask you to improve the flow, logic, and effectiveness of writing. These are the most strategic questions on the test — the 'rules' are less rigid, and judgment matters more.
Transitions
Transition questions give you a blank at the start of a sentence and ask you to choose the word or phrase that best connects it to the previous sentence or paragraph.
Transition Categories
Relationship | Example Words |
Adding information | furthermore, in addition, moreover, also |
Contrasting | however, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless, yet |
Showing cause/effect | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, hence |
Giving examples | for example, for instance, specifically, namely |
Conceding | although, even though, while, admittedly, granted |
Concluding | ultimately, in conclusion, finally, in sum |
Transition Strategy Step 1: Read the sentence before the blank and the sentence with the blank. Step 2: Identify the relationship: is the second sentence adding, contrasting, explaining, or concluding? Step 3: Pick the transition word that matches that relationship. Trap: Plausible-sounding transitions that don't match the actual logical relationship. |
Rhetorical Synthesis
These questions give you notes (usually bullet points from a student's research) and ask you to complete a sentence or paragraph that accomplishes a specific goal — introducing a topic, supporting a claim, comparing findings, etc.
• Read the goal carefully: the question will say exactly what the sentence needs to do.
• Only use information from the notes provided — don't bring in outside knowledge.
• The correct answer accomplishes the stated goal using accurate information from the notes.
• Wrong answers often: use real information but accomplish a different goal, mix up details, or add information not in the notes.
Rhetorical Synthesis Checklist Does this answer accomplish the specific goal stated in the question? (Yes/No) Does this answer use only information from the given notes? (Yes/No) Are all facts in the answer accurate to the notes? (Yes/No) If all three are Yes, it's the correct answer. |
Universal Reading Strategies
How to Read SAT Passages
• Read the question first, then read the passage with the question in mind.
• For short passages (under 50 words), read the whole passage before answering.
• For longer passages, read the intro and conclusion sentences, then skim for structure.
• Annotate lightly: underline the main claim, circle transition words, and mark any shift in tone or argument.
Process of Elimination
On the Reading and Writing section, wrong answer choices are wrong for specific reasons. Learn to identify them:
• Too broad: the answer makes a claim bigger than what the passage supports.
• Too narrow: the answer focuses on a detail but misses the main point.
• Distortion: the answer is close to the truth but slightly twists the meaning.
• Opposite: the answer says the reverse of what the passage says.
• Out of scope: the answer introduces information not discussed in the passage.
Pacing
• You have ~71 seconds per question. Do not linger more than 90 seconds on any single question.
• Grammar questions are usually faster than reading comprehension questions. Bank time there.
• If stuck: eliminate one or two answers, make your best choice, mark it, and move on.
• Save time at the end to return to any flagged questions.
The One-Sentence Summary Trick
Before answering central idea, purpose, or inference questions, pause and summarize the passage in one sentence in your own words. This forces you to process the meaning rather than just scan for keywords. The correct answer will almost always match your summary.
Reading & Writing Study Plan by Score Target
Target Score | Focus Areas |
Below 400 | Master subject-verb agreement, comma rules, and run-on sentences. Read one short article daily to build comprehension stamina. |
400 – 500 | Add pronoun agreement, verb tense, and central idea questions. Practice 15 grammar questions per session. |
500 – 600 | Add transitions, words in context, and command of evidence. Time yourself on full modules. |
600 – 700 | Add inference, text structure, and cross-text questions. Analyze every wrong answer in detail. |
700+ | Focus on rhetorical synthesis, subtle transitions, and the hardest evidence questions. Eliminate careless errors. |
Recommended Reading
The SAT uses complex, sophisticated texts. Reading challenging material regularly is one of the highest-leverage habits you can build. Aim for 20-30 minutes of focused reading daily.
Category | Suggested Sources |
Science | Scientific American, Nature News, National Geographic |
Social Science | The Atlantic, The Economist, Pew Research summaries |
History / Humanities | Smithsonian Magazine, History Today, primary source excerpts |
Literature | Short stories from The New Yorker, classic novel openings |
Arguments / Opinion | The New York Times Opinion, well-reasoned editorial pieces |
When you read, practice identifying: the main claim, the evidence used, the author's tone, and any shifts in argument. This is exactly what the SAT tests.
Final Reminders
• Every answer is in the passage. If you find yourself using outside knowledge, stop and re-read.
• Grammar has rules. Learn them once and they become automatic, reliable points.
• Transitions and synthesis reward careful reading, not guessing. Slow down on these.
• Module 1 performance is critical. A strong first module unlocks a more rewarding second module.
• Read actively every day. The best long-term preparation for this section is simply reading a lot.
Words are your tools. The more fluently you read, the more points you earn. Read more. Score more.
