SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) Reading and Writing: Craft and Structure Syllabus

Reading and Writing: Craft and Structure syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Reading and Writing: Craft and Structure in SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Words in Context

   4 topics

   • High-utility academic vocabulary
     • Tier-two words across disciplines
     • Words with multiple meanings
     • Connotation vs. denotation
   • Determining word meaning from surrounding text
     • Definitional context clues
     • Contrast and example clues
     • Substitution test for blanks
   • Precise word choice for tone and register
     • Formal vs. informal diction
     • Matching word to author's stance
   • Eliminating distractor synonyms
     • Trap words that fit the topic but not the context
     • Degree and intensity mismatches
2. 2

   Text Structure and Purpose

   4 topics

   • Identifying the main purpose of a passage
     • Inform, argue, describe, narrate
     • Author's overall goal
   • Function of a specific sentence or portion
     • Role of an underlined sentence
     • How a detail advances the argument
   • Organizational patterns
     • Problem-solution and cause-effect
     • Compare-contrast and chronology
   • Rhetorical moves and shifts
     • Concession and counterargument
     • Pivot points and turns in reasoning
3. 3

   Cross-Text Connections

   3 topics

   • Comparing two paired passages
     • Shared topic, differing viewpoints
     • Author 1 vs. Author 2 stance
   • Inferring how one author would respond to another
     • Agreement and disagreement points
     • Likely rebuttal or endorsement
   • Synthesizing relationships between texts
     • Complementary vs. contradictory claims

Reading and Writing: Craft and Structure flashcards for SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

25 of 50 cards from the Reading and Writing: Craft and Structure deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. On the SAT, what does the 'Words in Context' question type ask you to do?

   Choose the word or short phrase that best completes a blank (or replaces an underlined word) based on how it functions in the surrounding sentence and passage.

2. What is the most reliable strategy for determining word meaning from surrounding text?

   Use context clues—nearby definitions, examples, contrasts, and the overall logic of the sentence—rather than relying only on a word's most common meaning.

3. In vocabulary-in-context questions, why can a word's most familiar definition be a trap?

   The SAT often tests secondary or less common meanings, so the 'obvious' definition is frequently a distractor; the correct answer must fit the specific context.

4. Define 'register' as it applies to word choice.

   Register is the level of formality or style of language (e.g., formal, casual, technical) appropriate to a given audience and purpose.

5. Define 'tone' in the context of SAT Reading and Writing.

   Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice (e.g., critical, admiring, skeptical, neutral).

6. What is a 'distractor synonym' on the SAT, and how do you eliminate it?

   A distractor synonym is an answer that means roughly the same as a correct option in general but doesn't fit the precise context; eliminate it by testing each choice against the sentence's exact logic and connotation.

7. What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

   Denotation is a word's literal dictionary meaning; connotation is the emotional or cultural association it carries (positive, negative, or neutral).

8. When two answer choices both seem to fit a context blank, what should you check?

   Check connotation and precision—pick the word whose nuance matches the author's tone and the sentence's exact relationship; eliminate the looser, near-synonym.

9. What signals a contrast context clue, and what does it tell you about the missing word?

   Signal words like 'but, however, although, yet, despite, whereas' show contrast, indicating the missing word means the opposite of a nearby idea.

10. What signals a continuation/definition context clue?

    Words like 'and, also, in other words, that is, for example, similarly' show the missing word aligns with or restates a nearby idea.

11. What does the academic vocabulary word 'ambivalent' mean?

    Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

12. What does the academic vocabulary word 'ubiquitous' mean?

    Present, appearing, or found everywhere; widespread.

13. What does the academic vocabulary word 'nuanced' mean?

    Characterized by subtle distinctions or fine shades of meaning.

14. What does the academic vocabulary word 'undermine' mean?

    To weaken, damage, or erode the basis of something gradually.

15. What does the academic vocabulary word 'corroborate' mean?

    To confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence.

16. What does the academic vocabulary word 'tenuous' mean?

    Weak, slight, or insubstantial; lacking a firm basis.

17. What does the academic vocabulary word 'pragmatic' mean?

    Dealing with things sensibly and realistically; practical rather than theoretical.

18. What does the academic vocabulary word 'arbitrary' mean?

    Based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason or system.

19. What does the academic vocabulary word 'meticulous' mean?

    Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

20. What does the academic vocabulary word 'novel' mean when used as an adjective?

    New, original, or not previously experienced or done before.

21. What does the academic vocabulary word 'mitigate' mean?

    To make something less severe, harmful, or painful; to lessen.

22. What does the academic vocabulary word 'paradox' mean?

    A seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation that may nonetheless be true.

23. What does the academic vocabulary word 'skeptical' mean?

    Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.

24. What does the academic vocabulary word 'comprehensive' mean?

    Complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

25. What is the 'main purpose' of a passage, and what question does it answer?

    The main purpose is the author's primary goal; it answers 'Why did the author write this?' (e.g., to argue, explain, describe, illustrate, or compare).

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