What this skill covers
Craft and Structure covers three related ideas: the precise meaning of a word or phrase as it's used in that specific sentence (not its most common dictionary meaning), why a passage is organized or worded the way it is, and how two short paired texts relate to each other.
For words-in-context questions, substitute each answer choice back into the sentence — the correct one preserves the sentence's logic without changing its meaning. For cross-text questions, first pin down what each text individually claims before comparing them; most wrong answers get one of the two texts wrong.
Worked examples
Example 1The engineer called the sensor's early failure "instructive" because it revealed a design flaw the team had overlooked. As used here, "instructive" most nearly means
A. informative
B. obedient
C. brief
D. expensive
Why: The failure taught the team something important, so "instructive" means informative or educational — not obedient, brief, or expensive, none of which fit the sentence's logic.
Example 2Text 1: A nutritionist argues that reducing added sugar is the single most effective dietary change for most adults. Text 2: Another researcher agrees added sugar matters but notes that overall calorie balance and physical activity levels are at least as influential. How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Text 1?
A. By agreeing that added sugar matters while broadening the focus to other factors.
B. By rejecting the claim that added sugar has any effect on health.
C. By insisting sugar is the only factor that matters.
D. By arguing exercise has no relationship to health outcomes.
Why: Text 2 accepts Text 1's point but adds that other factors matter just as much — agreement plus a broadened scope, not rejection or a narrower claim.
How to practice this on TSI Practice Prep
Open SAT Practice to answer original SAT questions on sAT Craft and Structure, get an explanation for every choice, and see this skill tracked separately in your progress and mistake review.
Practice score estimates are learning indicators, not official scores or admission guarantees.
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