<p>Everybody goes about the critical reading section differently. There are two distinct parts: vocabulary and reading. For the vocabulary, memorize an internet list of 100 common SAT words or something. That should help you. For the critical reading section, everyone goes about it differently.</p>
<p>I do this: read the first passage-based question that asks about specific lines in the text (it is usually indicated). Put your finger on this question; save the “this passage as a whole suggests…” questions for later. Then, read the passage from the beginning–even the italicized portions–until you get to the indicated lines (maybe read two or three lines ahead). Then, read the question, and answer it as best you can without wasting time. Be sure that your answer is directly supported by the text. Imagine your pencil as a surgeon’s knife; cross off any answer choices that you know are wrong or aren’t supported by the passage. If the answer choice just mixes up words found in the passage in an incoherent way, it is wrong. By the time you get done with all of these questions, pursue the “passage as a whole” questions as best you can. Don’t waste time; eliminate wrong answer choices; guess if you can eliminate at least one answer choice.</p>
<p>Critical reading is tough. Until you’ve done a lot of practice, many of their questions seem hazy and unanswerable. Good luck on your SAT!</p>