SSAT Upper Level Reading

A comprehensive guide to mastering reading comprehension for the SSAT Upper Level exam.

Understanding Passage TypesMain Idea and Supporting DetailsUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Making Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsAuthor’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Arguments and Evidence
Applying Reading Skills to Everyday LifeCritical Thinking in Media and AdvertisingEffective Note-Taking and Summarizing
Time Management on the Reading SectionProcess of Elimination
Understanding Passag...Main Idea and Suppor...Understanding Vocabu...Making Inferences an...Author’s Purpose and...Analyzing Arguments ...Applying Reading Ski...Critical Thinking in...Effective Note-Takin...Time Management on t...Process of Eliminati...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Vocabulary in Context

Unlocking Word Meaning

The SSAT often asks you to figure out what a word means based on how it’s used in the passage—this is called context.

Strategies for Success

  • Read the sentence carefully. Look for clues before and after the word.
  • Think about the mood and situation. Does the word sound positive or negative?
  • Replace the word. Try swapping the word with another and see if the sentence still makes sense.

Why It Matters

Understanding words in context helps you become a better communicator and reader, both on tests and in everyday life—like decoding a tricky text message!

Fun Tip

  • Make a list of new words you learn and use them in a sentence of your own.

Examples

  • Guessing that 'elated' means 'very happy' from a sentence describing someone who just won a prize.

  • Figuring out 'dreary' means 'dull or gloomy' when a character is stuck inside on a rainy day.

In a Nutshell

Learn to use clues in the passage to figure out tricky words.

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Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions