College Board Blue Book Test Number 8 Module 1: Reading Comprehension Strategies - Questions 6 & 7

By Mr. Osama Ahmad February 23, 2025 8 min read

Digital SAT Reading Help: Blue Book Test 8 Module 1 (Qs 6-7)

Digital SAT Help: Blue Book Test 8, Module 1 Reading (Questions 6 & 7)

Hey everyone! Mr. O here again, guiding you through the official Blue Book app. We're looking at Test 8, Module 1. Let's break down reading questions 6 and 7. These test how well you understand text structure and the author's main goal. Getting these right is key for a good digital SAT score.

SAT Reading Comprehension Strategies: Structure & Purpose

When you see questions asking about *how* a text is built (structure) or *why* it was written (purpose), keep these simple steps in mind:

Know the Question: Is it asking about structure (organization) or purpose (the reason for writing)?
Find the Main Ideas: What's the key point in each paragraph or section?
Look for Clues: Words like "but," "also," "next," or topic sentences show how ideas connect. This is part of smart digital SAT reading and writing practice.
Eliminate Wrong Answers: Cross off choices that don't match what the text *actually* says or covers. Don't get tricked!

Question 6: Finding the Text's Structure

Keywords: companies, consumers, customized products, profit, mass production, customization

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

Companies are providing consumers with more opportunities to purchase customized products than ever before. Whether buying customized sneakers, jewelry, or clothing, consumers can participate in the design of products to meet their specific needs and tastes. In turn, companies profit too: studies have shown that consumers are willing to pay more and wait longer for a customized product. Still, it can be difficult for companies to offer customization while keeping costs low, as the standard methods of mass production may not be able to accommodate making a unique product each time.

Think about how the text flows. It starts by introducing a trend (more customized products). Then, it explains the good parts for shoppers and businesses ("In turn, companies profit..."). Finally, it points out a challenge companies face ("Still, it can be difficult..."). This pattern – Trend -> Benefits -> Challenge – matches answer choice C perfectly.

Why the Other Choices Don't Work:

A) Off Target: The text talks about a general trend, not specific *innovations* in making things. It also doesn't really *suggest potential applications*. It focuses more broadly on customized products available to buy.
B) Too Narrow: It mentions *companies* in general, not *one company's recent success*. It talks about why customization is popular and tricky, not just factors leading to *success*.
D) Wrong Focus: This text isn't comparing different *marketing techniques*. It describes the trend of customization, its upsides, and downsides, not specific ways companies advertise. Using a good sat study guide approach means focusing on the core message.

Correct Answer: C) It introduces a trend in consumer products and then explains how the trend both benefits and poses a challenge to companies.

Strategy Breakdown:

Step 1: Know the Question: Realized it asked for "overall structure."
Step 2: Find Main Ideas: Noted the text starts with the customization idea, then gives pros, then cons.
Step 3: Look for Clues: The words "In turn" signaled the benefits, and "Still" signaled the challenge.
Step 4: Eliminate Wrong Answers: Compared A, B, and D to the passage and saw they didn't accurately describe the text's flow or main points.

Key takeaway: Look for the flow of ideas – here it's introduction, positive points, then a drawback.

Question 7: Finding the Poem's Main Purpose

Keywords: poem, cycle, new, renew, grey, day, night

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

The following text is from the 1924 poem "Cycle" by D'Arcy McNickle, who was a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

There shall be new roads wending,
A new beating of the drum,—
Men’s eyes shall have fresh seeing,
Grey lives reprise their span.

But under the new sun’s being,
Completing what night began,
There’ll be the same backs bending,
The same sad feet shall drum.

When this night finds its ending
And day shall have come,…

What's the poet really trying to say? The first part sounds hopeful, with "new roads" and "fresh seeing." It talks about renewal. But then comes that big "But"! The second part talks about the "same backs bending" and "sad feet." This suggests that even with new beginnings, some things repeat, some struggles remain. The poem explores this cycle of life – how things change yet stay the same. This mix of hope and repetition fits perfectly with answer A. Understanding tone shifts like this is vital for `digital SAT reading and writing`.

Why the Other Choices Miss the Mark:

B) Too Simple: Yes, day and night are mentioned, but the poem isn't just about *when* things happen. It's using day/night to talk about the bigger pattern of life repeating itself.
C) Focuses Too Much on Emotion: "Sad feet" appear, but the poem's main goal isn't just comparing *sadness and joy*. It's about the larger idea that life goes in cycles, involving both renewal and hardship.
D) Broader Than Necessary: It talks about "Men's eyes" and "sad feet," which sound personal. While it *could* apply to a community, the poem feels more focused on the *individual's* experience within life's repeating pattern. This isn't the main purpose.

Correct Answer: A) To consider how the repetitiveness inherent in human life can be both rewarding and challenging

Strategy Breakdown:

Step 1: Know the Question: Understood it asked for the poem's "main purpose."
Step 2: Find Main Ideas: Saw the first part suggesting renewal ("new") and the second suggesting repetition ("same"), separated by "But."
Step 3: Look for Clues: The word "But" was key, showing a contrast. Also noted the repeated "drum" sound changing meaning.
Step 4: Eliminate Wrong Answers: Realized B, C, and D didn't capture the poem's central theme of life's cycle having both positive and difficult repeating parts.

Key takeaway: Pay attention to contrast words like "But." They often signal the core tension or main point, especially in poems.

Hope breaking it down like this helps! These structure and purpose questions pop up a lot on the digital SAT. Practice spotting the main ideas and looking for those clue words. Let me know if you have more questions!

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College Board Blue Book Test Number 8 Module 1: Reading Comprehension Strategies - Questions 6 & 7

Digital SAT Help: Blue Book Test 8, Module 1 Reading (Questions 6 & 7)

SAT Reading Comprehension Strategies: Structure & Purpose

Question 6: Finding the Text's Structure

Strategy Breakdown:

Question 7: Finding the Poem's Main Purpose

Strategy Breakdown:

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