PROCESS FOR EACH PASSAGE:
1. Read the introduction (gives author, year, context)
2. Read the questions (not answer choices) quickly
3. Read passage with purpose — note main idea of each paragraph
4. Answer questions — return to passage for evidence

QUESTION TYPES:
- Main idea: "The passage primarily argues..."
  -> Look at first/last paragraph + topic sentences
- Inference: "It can most reasonably be inferred..."
  -> Answer must be supported by text, not your knowledge
- Vocabulary in context: "As used in line 12, X most nearly means..."
  -> Read 2-3 lines before and after. Choose what fits THE PASSAGE
- Evidence pairing: 2-question sets where Q2 asks "Which lines provide best evidence?"
  -> Answer Q2 first: find best evidence, then see which answer it supports
- Graphs/charts: Read axes carefully. Only use the data shown.

TRUTH: The correct answer is ALWAYS supported by the text.

LINEAR EQUATIONS:
y = mx + b. Slope = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1).
Two lines: parallel if m1=m2, perpendicular if m1*m2=-1.

SYSTEMS:
Substitution or elimination. Infinite solutions: same line. No solution: parallel lines.

QUADRATICS:
Factoring, completing square, quadratic formula.
Vertex: (-b/2a, f(-b/2a)). Sum of roots=-b/a. Product=c/a.

EXPONENTS & RADICALS:
a^m * a^n = a^(m+n). (a^m)^n = a^(mn). a^(1/2) = sqrt(a).

SCIENTIFIC NOTATION:
(3x10^4)(2x10^3) = 6x10^7.

PERCENT:
Percent change = (new-old)/old * 100.
Percent of = multiply as decimal (30% of 80 = 0.30*80=24).

DATA ANALYSIS:
Mean = sum/n. Median = middle. Mode = most frequent.
Range = max-min. Standard deviation = spread.
Scatterplot: positive/negative/no correlation. Line of best fit.

PROBABILITY:
P(A) = favourable/total.
P(A and B) = P(A)*P(B) [independent].
P(A or B) = P(A)+P(B)-P(A and B).

PROPORTIONS & RATIOS:
Set up: a/b = c/d. Cross multiply.
Unit conversion: write units as fractions that cancel.

GEOMETRY:
Circle: area=pi*r^2, circumference=2*pi*r, arc=theta/360*2*pi*r.
Triangle: area=0.5*b*h. 30-60-90: sides 1:sqrt3:2.
45-45-90: sides 1:1:sqrt2.

TRIGONOMETRY:
sin=opp/hyp, cos=adj/hyp, tan=opp/adj.
sin(theta) = cos(90-theta). sin^2+cos^2=1.

PROMPT: Analyse how the author builds an argument.
(NOT: do you agree or disagree)

STRUCTURE (50 minutes):
5 min:  Read passage, annotate techniques
5 min:  Plan: choose 2-3 techniques to analyse
35 min: Write essay
5 min:  Proofread

TECHNIQUES TO FIND:
- Evidence: statistics, studies, examples, expert quotes
- Reasoning: logical connections, cause-effect, if-then
- Style/emotional appeals: word choice, tone, imagery

INTRO: "In [title], [author] builds a compelling argument
that [main claim] by employing [technique 1], [technique 2],
and [technique 3]."

BODY: One technique per paragraph:
- Quote/example from text
- Name the technique
- Explain HOW it persuades the reader
- What effect does it have?

SCORED ON: Reading, Analysis, Writing (2-8 each, two graders)