Craft And Structure - Detailed Overview
Deciphering Meaning: Words in Context on the Digital SAT
A Strategic Guide to Understanding Vocabulary in Context
The Craft and Structure domain of the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section assesses your ability to understand how authors construct their writing to convey meaning. A key skill within this domain is determining the meaning of words in context.
Why Context Matters
Words often have multiple meanings. Understanding the context in which a word is used is essential to accurately determine its intended meaning.
How Words in Context Are Tested
The Digital SAT may test your understanding of words in context by:
- Asking directly for the meaning.
- Testing your comprehension through inferences.
- Assessing your ability to paraphrase or summarize.
Examples and Solutions
Example 1: Direct Question
- Passage Excerpt: "The scientist's theory, though initially met with skepticism, gained traction after a series of experiments confirmed its validity."
- Question: As used in the passage, what does the word "skepticism" most nearly mean?
- Solution: Doubt
Example 2: Inference
- Passage Excerpt: "The old house stood on a hill, its windows boarded up and paint peeling from its walls."
- Inference: The house is likely abandoned.
Strategies for Success
- Read the surrounding sentences.
- Look for contrast or comparison.
- Consider the passage's overall tone and purpose.
- Substitute answer choices.
Remember: While vocabulary is important, your overall reading comprehension skills are equally crucial for success on the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section
Additional Information
The Craft and Structure domain of the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section assesses your ability to analyze how authors construct their writing to convey meaning and achieve specific purposes. This domain focuses on two key skills: Words in Context and Text Structure and Purpose.
Words in Context
- Understanding the Meaning of Words: To comprehend a passage fully, it's essential to understand the meaning of individual words and phrases. However, words can have multiple meanings, and the intended meaning often depends on the context in which they are used.
- Context Clues: Pay attention to the surrounding words and sentences for clues about the meaning of a particular word. Consider factors like synonyms, antonyms, examples, and explanations provided in the text.
Example:
- Passage Excerpt: "The old man's countenance was austere, reflecting a life of hardship and solitude."
- Question: What does the word "austere" most likely mean in this context?
- Options: A) Friendly B) Cheerful C) Stern D) Gentle
- Answer: C) Stern (The context suggests that the old man's appearance and demeanor are serious and strict.)
Text Structure and Purpose
- Analyzing Organizational Patterns: Identify how the author has structured the passage. Common patterns include chronological order, cause-and-effect, compare and contrast, and problem-solution.
- Understanding the Author's Purpose: Determine why the author wrote the passage. Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or something else?
- How Structure Supports Purpose: Analyze how the author's choice of structure contributes to achieving their purpose. For example, a chronological structure might be used to trace a sequence of events, while a compare and contrast structure might be used to present different viewpoints.
Example:
- Passage Excerpt: "The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in technology and manufacturing, but it also led to increased pollution and child labor."
- Question: What is the primary purpose of the passage?
- Options: A) To argue against the Industrial Revolution B) To compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of the Industrial Revolution C) To provide a historical overview of the Industrial Revolution D) To persuade readers to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle
- Answer: B) To compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of the Industrial Revolution (The passage presents both positive and negative aspects of the Industrial Revolution.)
Strategies for Success
- Read Actively: Pay close attention to the author's word choice, sentence structure, and overall organization.
- Take Notes: Jot down key points, the author's main argument, and any supporting evidence.
- Practice Analyzing Different Text Types: Familiarize yourself with various genres, such as essays, articles, and literary passages.
- Consider Multiple Perspectives: Try to understand the author's viewpoint and how it might differ from your own.
By developing a strong understanding of Craft and Structure, you can effectively analyze and interpret the information presented in the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section