You have seen the ways in which the SAT tests you on Detail and Inference questions in Reading passages and the way an SAT expert approaches these types of questions.
You will use the Kaplan Method for Reading Comprehension to complete this section. Part of the test-like passage has been mapped already. Your first step is to complete the Passage Map. Then, you will continue to use the Kaplan Method for Reading Comprehension and the strategies discussed in this chapter to answer the questions. Strategic thinking questions have been included to guide you—some of the answers have been filled in, but you will have to fill in the answers to others.
Use your answers to the strategic thinking questions to select the correct answer, just as you will on Test Day.
| Strategic Thinking |
|---|
| Step 1: Read actively |
| The passage below is partially mapped. Read the passage and the first part of the Passage Map. Then, complete the Passage Map on your own. Remember to focus on the central ideas of each paragraph as well as the central idea of the overall passage. Use your Passage Map as a reference when you’re answering questions. |
Questions 4-6 are based on the following passage.
The following passage describes findings regarding American colonists based on archaeological explorations at Jamestown, Virginia.
| Archaeological explorations at Jamestown, Virginia, have brought to light thousands of colonial period artifacts that were used by the | |
| Virginia settlers from 1607 until 1699. A study of these objects, which were buried under the soil at Jamestown for decades, reveals in many ways how the English colonists lived on a small wilderness island over 300 years ago. Artifacts unearthed include building materials and handwrought hardware, kitchen utensils and fireplace accessories, furniture hardware, and many items relating to household and town industries. These artifacts provide valuable information concerning the everyday life and manners of the | ¶1: artifacts show how colonists lived |
| first Virginia settlers. Excavated artifacts reveal that the Jamestown colonists built their houses in the same style as those they knew in England, insofar as local materials permitted. There were differences, however, for the settlers were in a land replete with vast forests and untapped natural resources close at hand that they used to their advantage. The Virginia known to the first settlers was a | ¶2: clues about life |
| carpenter’s paradise, and consequently the early buildings were the work of artisans in wood. The first rude shelter, split-wood fencing, clapboard roof, puncheon floors, cupboards, benches, stools, and wood plows are all examples of skilled working with wood. Timber at Jamestown was plentiful, so many | ¶3: settlers used woodworking skills |
| houses, especially in the early years, were of frame construction. During the first decade or two, house construction reflected a primitive use of materials found ready at hand, such as saplings for a sort of framing, and use of branches, leafage, bark, and animal skins. During these early years, when the settlers were having such a difficult time staying alive, mud walls, wattle-and-daub, and coarse marsh-grass thatch were used. Out of these years of improvising, construction with squatted posts, and later with studs, came into practice. There was probably little thought of plastering walls during the first two decades. When plastering was adopted, clay, either by itself or mixed with oyster-shell lime, was first used. The early floors were of clay, and such floors continued to be used in the humbler dwellings throughout the 1600s. It can be assumed that most of the dwellings, or shelters, of the early Jamestown settlers had a rough and primitive appearance. After Jamestown had attained some degree of permanency, many houses were built of brick. It is quite clear from documentary records and archaeological remains that the colonists not only made their own brick but also that the process, as well as the finished products, followed closely the English method. Four brick kilns were discovered on Jamestown Island during archaeological explorations. While some of the handwrought hardware found at Jamestown was made in the colony, most of it was imported from England. Types of building hardware unearthed include an excellent assortment of nails, spikes, staples, locks, keys, hinges, pintles, shutter fasteners, bolts, hasps, latches, door knockers, door pulls, bootscrapes, gutter supports, wall anchors, and ornamental hardware. In many instances, each type is represented by several varieties. It is believed that wooden hardware was used on many of the early houses. A few glass windowpanes may have been made in the Jamestown glass factory, which was built in 1608. Most of the window glass used in the colony, however, was shipped from England. Many of the early panes used were diamond-shaped pieces known as “quarrels” and were held in place by means of slotted lead strips known as “cames.” The window frames used in a few of the Jamestown houses were handwrought iron casements. Most of the humbler dwellings had no glass panes in the windows. The window openings were closed by batten shutters, operated by hinges of wood, and fitted with wooden fastening devices. Busy conquering a stubborn wilderness, the first Jamestown settlers had only a few things to make their homes cozy and cheerful. In most cases, their worldly goods consisted of a few cooking utensils, a change of clothing, a weapon or two, and a few pieces of handmade furniture. After the early years of hardship had passed, the colonists began to acquire pos- sessions for more pleasant living; by 1650 the better houses were equipped with most of the necessities of life of those times, as well as a few luxuries of comfortable living. | ¶4: early structures primitive, focus on survival |
| Questions | Strategic Thinking |
|---|---|
|
Step 2: Examine the question stem The key words and phrases in this question stem are the cited statement with its corresponding line numbers and the word “suggests.” Step 3: Predict and answer Read around the cited lines. Why was there “little thought of plastering walls during the first two decades” (lines 41-42)? ________________ ________________ ________________ Which answer choice matches this prediction? _____ |
|
Step 2: Examine the question stem What are the key words and phrases in this question stem? ________________ What parts of your Passage Map are relevant? ________________ Step 3: Predict and answer Is A mentioned in the passage? If so, where? ________________ Is B mentioned in the passage? If so, where? ________________ Is C mentioned in the passage? If so, where? ________________ Is D mentioned in the passage? If so, where? ________________ Which answer choice is not mentioned in the passage and is therefore correct? ________________ |
|
Step 2: Examine the question stem What are the key words and phrases in this question stem? ________________ What parts of your Passage Map are relevant? ________________ Step 3: Predict and answer How do the cited lines describe the brick industry? ________________ Which answer choice is most similar to this process? ________________ |