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The SAT is definitely a test where it pays to focus your attention on language. Whether it’s the word choice, phrasing, structure, or vocabulary of the questions being asked, you should definitely pay attention.
The Language of Absolutes
Examples of absolute language include words such as ‘all, none, must, except, every, not, always, just, only, and never’.
Absolute language is very specific, and test-takers need to be aware that these types of questions can appear not only on the SAT, but in any test, standardized or not.
Absolute language in a question refers to any question that requires a yes/no or true/false answer. The question is typically phrased in such a way that its answer is either 100% correct or 100% wrong. All or nothing.
Pay Attention to the Language
If you are taking the SAT it is important to be aware of and watch for absolute language in a question or answer choice and make sure you understand not only what is being asked, but how to answer this type of question as well.
When you come across these types of words, whether in the question or its answer, make sure you read all the answer choices carefully so you can answer the question with 100% accuracy. Eliminate the answers that are obviously wrong and make sure the answer is relevant to what the question is asking.
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