SSAT Middle Level: Reading

SSAT Middle Level

Understanding Main Ideas and DetailsMaking InferencesUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Analyzing Author's Purpose and ToneComparing and Contrasting InformationRecognizing Literary Devices
Reading for Everyday LifeResearch and Information GatheringCommunicating with Others
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management and Skimming
Understanding Main I...Making InferencesUnderstanding Vocabu...Analyzing Author's P...Comparing and Contra...Recognizing Literary...Reading for Everyday...Research and Informa...Communicating with O...Active Reading Techn...Time Management and ...
Study Strategies

Time Management and Skimming

Reading Faster, Not Harder

You only have a set amount of time on the SSAT, so it's important to use it wisely! Skimming means reading quickly to get the gist, then slowing down for details or tricky questions.

Skim the passage first to get the big picture.

  • Answer the easiest questions before spending time on harder ones.
  • Keep an eye on the clock and don't get stuck!

With practice, you'll finish on time and still catch the key points.

Examples

  • Reading the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get the main idea before answering questions.

  • Skipping a tough question and coming back to it after answering the ones you know.