Supporting Details Flashcards: SAT Informational Text Practice

Informational text details are typically objective facts, statistics, research findings, expert statements, or documented observations. Literary text details are character actions, dialogue, and descriptions. Informational details can usually be verified through sources, while literary details exist within the story world.

Facts can be verified, measured, or observed objectively. Opinions contain judgment words like "best," "should," "most important," or "better." Ask: "Can this be proven with data or observation?" If yes, it's likely fact. If it requires agreement or belief, it's opinion.

Numbers provide measurable, objective evidence that can be verified. "Sales increased 35%" is stronger than "Sales increased significantly" because it gives specific, quantifiable information. The SAT favors concrete, measurable details over vague descriptors.

Examples ARE supporting details—they're a type of evidence. When an author gives a specific instance or case to illustrate a claim, that example serves as supporting detail. The key is that examples must be relevant and directly support the specific claim being made.

Always check: Does this fact prove the SPECIFIC claim in the question, or is it just related to the topic? A fact can be true and interesting but still irrelevant if it doesn't support the particular idea you're asked about. Stay focused on what the question asks for.

No. The examples demonstrate principles, not specific content to memorize. Focus on understanding the pattern: what makes certain details strong support and others weak. You'll see different passages on the SAT, so you need transferable skills, not memorized examples.

The main idea is the overall point or claim the author makes. Supporting details are specific pieces of evidence that prove that claim is true. Main idea = thesis/argument. Supporting details = proof/evidence. Details must be more specific than the main idea they support.

Master all 24 cards (instant, confident recall) before moving to full practice questions. This usually takes 3-5 days of daily 10-minute sessions. Flashcards build knowledge; practice questions build application. You need both, but knowledge comes first.