Central Argument, Claims & Evidence
The SAT Reading section's hardest questions test your ability to understand not just what an author says, but how and why they say it. Every argumentative passage has a central claim—the author's main position—supported by evidence. Evidence comes in two major types: factual (statistics, research studies, historical examples) and anecdotal (personal stories, case studies). The SAT tests whether a specific piece of evidence actually supports the central claim. A common trap: the passage mentions something interesting that is factually true but doesn't directly support the author's argument. When a question asks you to choose which statistic or quote best supports a conclusion, look for direct logical relevance—not just thematic similarity. Also notice when an author makes a concession: acknowledging the opposing view before refuting it. A concession strengthens an argument by showing the author has considered counterevidence. Phrases like 'although critics argue' or 'while it is true that' signal a concession.