Craft and Structure
SAT Reading & Writing – Mastering “Craft and Structure”
The SAT Reading & Writing section is more concise and focused than ever before—and Craft and Structure is one of the key categories students need to master. If you’re aiming for a high score, understanding this part can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down what Craft and Structure questions really test, common question types, strategies to answer them correctly, and how MKS Education helps you build mastery.
What Is “Craft and Structure”?
Craft and Structure questions test your ability to understand how authors use language, structure, and tone to convey meaning. These questions go beyond just what the text says—they ask how it says it and why it says it that way.
You’ll need to:
- Interpret the meaning of words and phrases in context
- Analyze the tone and style of a passage
- Determine the purpose of a sentence or paragraph
- Understand how the structure of a text supports its meaning
Common Question Types
Here are the four main types of Craft and Structure questions on the SAT:
1. Words in Context
“As used in line 5, what does the word ‘critical’ most nearly mean?”
→ These questions test whether you can identify the intended meaning of a word, which often differs from its common usage.
2. Purpose Questions
“Why does the author include the example in lines 12–14?”
→ You must understand the author’s intent and how a specific detail contributes to the passage.
3. Text Structure and Function
“What is the function of the second paragraph in the passage?”
→ This checks your understanding of the organizational role a sentence or paragraph plays within the whole text.
4. Tone and Style
“Which choice best describes the author’s tone in the passage?”
→ You’ll evaluate whether the author is being serious, ironic, formal, conversational, etc.
✅ Proven Strategies for Success
1. Read the Surrounding Context
Even if a question focuses on one word or line, always read a few lines before and after. Context changes everything.
2. Eliminate Common Meaning Traps
Many wrong choices reflect the most common meaning of a word—not the meaning used in the passage. Stay grounded in the passage’s tone and message.
3. Identify the Author’s Goal
Ask yourself: What is the author trying to achieve here? Each sentence and paragraph serves a purpose.
4. Practice With a Purpose
When reviewing questions, don’t just check if you were right or wrong—ask why an answer is correct. This builds your reasoning.
Sample Question (Craft and Structure)
Passage Excerpt:
“The scientist’s critical review of the data led to a major breakthrough in climate modeling.”
Question:
As used in the sentence, “critical” most nearly means:
A) negative
B) vital
C) doubtful
D) threatening
Correct Answer: B) vital
The word “critical” here doesn’t mean “negative” or “threatening.” In this context, it means the review was crucial—it played an important role in the breakthrough.
How MKS Education Prepares You
At MKS Education, we make sure every student builds a solid foundation in Craft and Structure skills through:
- Targeted class slides focused on each sub-skill
- Hundreds of practice questions from real and simulated tests
- Video lectures that break down tough questions step-by-step
- Extended concepts that teach the “why” behind each right answer
- Regular time-bound tests to build accuracy under pressure
All of this is available both online and in-person, and you’ll have access to our LMS portal for review anytime.
Final Words
Craft and Structure questions are where many students lose easy points—not because they’re difficult, but because they require careful reading and deep thinking. But with the right strategies and plenty of guided practice, this can quickly become your strength.
Let MKS Education guide you toward SAT success. Our experienced instructors, customized materials, and unlimited support are here to help you hit your dream score.
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Visit: Opp. Shankerdev Campus, Putalisadak, Kathmandu
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