An SAT micro-topic explainer. Free to read — no account needed.
To read a text well, notice whether each part supports the one before it or contrasts with it. Supporting parts move in the same direction — continuing, explaining, or giving an example. Contrasting parts change direction — disagreeing or pointing out something opposite.
Signal words often give the relationship away. Words like "also," "for instance," "in fact," and "because" point to support. Words like "however," "but," "in spite of," and "whereas" point to contrast.
For example: "The recipe is simple to follow. For instance, it uses only five ingredients." "For instance" shows the second sentence is giving an example of the first. So the two sentences support each other.
Now: "The movie had beautiful scenery. However, the story was confusing." "However" flips from a good point to a bad one. So the two sentences contrast.
Worked examples
Do these sentences support or contrast: "The new phone has a great camera. It also lasts two days on one charge"? The word "also" adds another good feature to the first. So the two sentences support each other.
Do these sentences support or contrast: "The garden looked healthy in spring. But by August, the plants had wilted"? The word "But" turns from a healthy garden to wilted plants. So the two sentences contrast.
Do these two parts support or contrast: "The store lowered its prices, drawing in more customers"? The second part, "drawing in more customers," is a result of the first. Because one leads to the other, the two parts support each other.
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