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SAT Reading & Writing · 28% of section

Craft and StructureSAT Reading & Writing Prep

Master Craft and Structure with 150+ adaptive practice questions. This domain makes up 28% of the SAT Reading & Writing section (12-19 questions on test day).

Start Practicing FreeView All Features

Skills Covered

Words in Context
Text Structure
Purpose
Cross-Text Connections

At a Glance

150+

Questions

28%

of Reading & Writing

12-19

Qs on test day

3

Difficulty levels

How It Works

1

Sign up free

Create your account in under a minute.

2

Take a diagnostic

We'll assess your Craft and Structure skill level across easy, medium, and hard questions.

3

Get your study plan

Receive a personalized plan that focuses on your weakest areas first.

4

Practice daily

Work through Craft and Structure questions adapted to your level. Track your progress in real time.

Study Strategies for Craft and Structure

Attack Words in Context systematically

When the SAT asks what a word “most nearly means,” ignore the definition you know first. Re-read the sentence with each answer choice plugged in and pick the one that preserves the original meaning. Many wrong answers are common definitions of the word that don’t fit the context. This plug-in method is faster and more reliable than guessing from memory.

Identify the author’s purpose before answering

Text Structure and Purpose questions ask why the author included a specific sentence or paragraph. Before reading the choices, ask yourself: Does this sentence introduce a claim, provide evidence, offer a counterpoint, or transition to a new idea? Naming the rhetorical function first keeps you from picking an answer that describes what the text says rather than why it’s there.

Compare paired passages methodically

Cross-Text Connections questions give you two short passages and ask how they relate. Read Passage 1 and summarize its position in one phrase, then do the same for Passage 2. The question usually asks whether the authors agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the same topic. Having clear one-line summaries makes the comparison straightforward.

Build vocabulary through active reading

The Digital SAT tests vocabulary in context, not obscure definitions. The best long-term strategy is reading quality journalism and academic writing daily. When you encounter an unfamiliar word, note the sentence it appears in and the meaning you can infer. This mirrors exactly how the SAT tests vocabulary and builds the skill more effectively than flashcards alone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Picking the most common definition of a vocabulary word

Words in Context questions almost always use a secondary meaning. The most familiar definition is usually a trap. Always test your answer by substituting it back into the sentence.

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Confusing what the text says with why it says it

Purpose questions ask about the author’s reason for including a detail, not what the detail means. Make sure your answer explains the rhetorical function, not the content.

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Oversimplifying paired passage relationships

Students often assume the two passages must fully agree or fully disagree. In reality, the relationship is frequently more nuanced—one author may partially agree while challenging a specific claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of vocabulary does the Digital SAT test?+
The Digital SAT tests vocabulary in context, meaning you need to determine the meaning of a word based on how it is used in the passage. The words tested are typically Tier 2 academic words with multiple meanings—words like “channels,” “strain,” or “command.” The test does not ask for obscure definitions. Building strong contextual reading skills is more effective than memorizing word lists.
How do Cross-Text Connections questions work?+
These questions present two short passages and ask you to identify the relationship between them. You might be asked whether the authors agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the same topic. The key strategy is to summarize each passage’s main point in one sentence before comparing. This domain usually includes 2–3 paired passage questions per test.
What is the best way to improve on Text Structure and Purpose questions?+
Practice identifying the rhetorical function of individual sentences within a paragraph. Ask yourself: Is this sentence introducing a claim, providing supporting evidence, offering a counterargument, or transitioning to a new idea? Reading opinion articles and scientific abstracts regularly helps develop this skill because both genres use clear rhetorical structures.

Explore Other SAT Domains

Information and Ideas26%Expression of Ideas20%Standard English Conventions26%Algebra35%Advanced Math35%Problem-Solving & Data Analysis15%Geometry and Trigonometry15%