Grade: Grade 6 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Passage Strategy SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Review Mistakes

Learn

Making mistakes is an essential part of learning. The key is to analyze your errors so you can avoid making them again. This lesson teaches you a systematic approach to reviewing wrong answers.

The Error Log Method

Keep a record of every mistake you make during practice. For each error, record:

  1. The question type (Main Idea, Detail, Inference, Vocabulary, or Author's Purpose)
  2. What you chose and why you thought it was correct
  3. The correct answer and why it is right
  4. What went wrong in your thinking
  5. How to avoid this mistake next time

Five Common Error Types

1. Misreading the Question

You answered a different question than what was asked.

  • Example: The question asked for the "main purpose" but you answered about a specific detail.
  • Fix: Underline key words in the question before looking at answers.

2. Falling for Traps

You chose an answer that contains words from the passage but is not actually correct.

  • Example: An answer uses the exact phrase from the passage but applies it incorrectly.
  • Fix: Always check that the meaning matches, not just the words.

3. Going Beyond the Text

You made an assumption that is not supported by the passage.

  • Example: The passage says dolphins are intelligent, and you assumed they are the most intelligent animals.
  • Fix: Stick only to what the passage actually states or directly implies.

4. Missing Key Details

You overlooked important information in the passage.

  • Example: The passage said "some scientists believe" but you treated it as a proven fact.
  • Fix: Pay attention to qualifying words like "some," "may," "could," "often."

5. Rushing

You did not read carefully enough due to time pressure.

  • Example: You picked the first answer that seemed right without checking others.
  • Fix: Always read all answer choices before selecting one.

Examples

Sample Error Analysis

Original Question

Passage excerpt: "While many birds migrate south for winter, some species, such as the snowy owl, actually move in the opposite direction, traveling from Arctic regions to more temperate areas during the coldest months."

Question: According to the passage, snowy owls migrate:

  1. From south to north
  2. From the Arctic to warmer regions
  3. Only during summer months
  4. To tropical areas

Student chose A. Correct answer is B.

Error Analysis

Category Analysis
Question Type Detail
Why I Chose A The passage said "opposite direction" from south, so I thought north.
Why B Is Correct The passage specifically says "from Arctic regions to more temperate areas." The Arctic is north, temperate is south.
What Went Wrong I focused on "opposite direction" and assumed it meant the opposite compass direction, but the passage explains what "opposite" means in this context.
How to Avoid Read the full sentence carefully. When a passage explains a term, use that explanation.

Practice

For each scenario below, identify the error type and explain how to fix it.

1. A student read a passage about how exercise affects the brain. The question asked, "What is the main idea of the passage?" The student chose "Exercise increases heart rate," which is a detail mentioned in paragraph 2.

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

2. The passage stated that "certain plastics may take hundreds of years to decompose." A student answered a question saying that "all plastics take exactly 500 years to decompose."

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

3. The question asked about the author's purpose, but the student chose an answer about the passage's topic instead of why the author wrote it.

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

4. The passage mentioned "renewable energy sources like solar and wind." A student assumed the passage was recommending these sources, even though the author only described them neutrally.

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

5. A student picked answer choice B because it contained the phrase "cellular respiration," which appeared in the passage. However, the answer used the phrase in a way that contradicted the passage's meaning.

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

6. Under time pressure, a student selected the first answer that looked reasonable without reading choices C and D. The correct answer was D.

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

7. The passage said, "Most scientists agree that climate change is accelerating." A student chose an answer that said "All scientists are certain about climate change rates."

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

8. A vocabulary question asked what "elaborate" means in the sentence "The author's elaborate explanation covered every detail." The student chose "simple" because they confused "elaborate" with "brief."

Error Type: _____________

How to Fix: _____________

9. Create your own error log entry for a recent mistake you made on a reading question. Include all five components: question type, your choice, correct answer, what went wrong, and how to avoid it.

10. Look back at your last three practice tests or assignments. What is the most common type of error you make? Write a plan for how you will work on reducing this error type.

Check Your Understanding

Practice Answers

  1. Misreading the Question - The student answered about a detail instead of the main idea. Fix: Focus on what the question is actually asking.
  2. Missing Key Details - The student ignored "certain" and "may" and made an absolute claim. Fix: Pay attention to qualifying words.
  3. Misreading the Question - Topic is different from purpose. Fix: Understand what each question type asks for.
  4. Going Beyond the Text - The student added an opinion that was not in the passage. Fix: Stick to what is stated or clearly implied.
  5. Falling for Traps - Same words but wrong meaning. Fix: Check that the answer's meaning matches the passage.
  6. Rushing - Did not read all choices. Fix: Always read every answer option.
  7. Missing Key Details - "Most" is not "all," and "agree" is not "are certain." Fix: Notice the difference in degree and certainty.
  8. Missing Key Details / Rushing - The context clue "covered every detail" suggests thorough, not simple. Fix: Use context clues carefully.
  9. Answers will vary - should include all five components
  10. Answers will vary - should identify a pattern and propose a solution

Self-Reflection Questions

  • Which error type do you make most often?
  • Have you started keeping an error log?
  • Can you identify your mistakes quickly now?

Next Steps

  • Start an error log for all your reading practice
  • Review your error log weekly to spot patterns
  • Focus practice on your most common error types
  • Move on to the next lesson: Mixed Set