47 replies to this topic

[ayesha456]

Hey guys! share your tips for SAT success!  

Here are a few that I use:

Essay:
-include (specific) examples
-budget your time carefully!
-tie together the topic with ur conclusion (e.g. use words from the topic)
-use appropriate transitional wrds n phrases (like 'however', 'thus', etc)
-avoid repetition
-use 3rd person! avoid using 'you', 'we', etc.

Critical reading (tips from college board skills insight):
-as you read a text an unfamiliar-topic text, look for words that you knw to help you determine what any unknown words might mean
-when you come across a difficult section of text in your reading, break down the ideas in it sentence by sentence and even within sentences
-consider how the author’s language and structure affect the way he makes his point. What kind of support does the author provide? Does the author speculate, cite facts, or express an opinion? How can you tell? How does the author’s tone relate to the topic?
-if its an argumentative text, try to identify the parts of the author‘s argument. What is the thesis? What evidence does the author provide? Does the author cite others? How does he or she conclude the argument?
-as you read a challenging text, think about the assumptions that underlie the author’s position.
-think about the stated topic but also consider its larger meaning or purpose. Consider whether or not the text has a meaning beyond its stated intention

hope these help! feel free to share your own tips!

[cayte03]

they key is to NOT overthink the critical reading responses. if it's not in the passage, it shouldn't be in the answer!

[supstyle905]

I would say the SAT essay needs to support an Optimistic idea. Nothing overly goodie-goodie, but avoiding pessimism would probably be the best.

[tucr21]

Sentence Completion

    One way to think of Sentence Completion questions is to remember what it is like to get a photocopy of an assignment from a teacher with one word smudged out. Your challenge is to use all of the other words in the sentence or paragraph to determine the missing word.

    Sentence Completion questions work the same way. You need to use all of the other words in the sentence to determine the missing word. This includes any context clues as well as other words that help you know which direction the sentence is heading - words like and, but, or, nevertheless, negative prefixes, etc. It is a test of your sentence logic and your vocabulary.

    First, ignore the answer choices and substitute your own word(s) that fit the context of the sentence. Eliminate answer choices that mean something different and guess from what's left if you can't figure out the right one.

[tucr21]

Work Steadily - Don't Rush

    Rushing loses time, promotes carelessness, and creates an atmosphere for unclear thinking.

    Pace Yourself: Determine how much time you can spend on each question and where you should be when the allotted time is 1/4, 1/2, etc. gone. Reading Passages are the most critical because it is easy to take a lot of extra time to read an unfamiliar or long passage.

    Budget your time. Work from easier to harder and from shorter to longer questions. Each answer is worth the same number of points; so answer the easy ones and come back to the hard ones if you have time.

[janetlalbag]

For both SAT reading & writing you need to develop your vocabulary first. Here are The Six Very Best Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary


Vocabulary Technique #1 - Elaboration

Elaboration is an easy technique that will increase your retention of new words by more that 670%. To find out more about elaboration, go to our lesson on elaboration.

Vocabulary Technique #2 - Repetition

Repetition is one of the most effective ways to learn new words. However, most people overlook a simple technique that will double the effectiveness of repetition. To find out more, go to our lesson on repetition.

Vocabulary Technique #3 - Read and Record

Contrary to popular belief, reading alone won't do much to improve your vocabulary. This is because most people tend to simply "skip over" words they don't know. We have put together some powerful techniques that will allow you to get the most out of your reading. Read about these techniques in the lesson on reading and recording.

Vocabulary Technique #4 - Personal Relevance

Did you know that our memories are actually geared to block out information that isn't considered personally relevant? You can use this to your advantage by making new words personally relevant and dramatically improving your retention as a result. Read more in our lesson on relevance.

Vocabulary Technique #5 - Imagery

Are you a visual learner? If so imagery could be your best bet for improving your vocabulary. Although imagery is a great tool, it doesn't work well for all types of words. To find out how best to use imagery, go to lesson 5.

Vocabulary Technique #6 - Play With Words

A great fun way to improve your vocabulary is to play word games. We show you the best games to boost your vocabulary and have fun while you do it. Read more in our lesson on word games.

Vocabulary Technique #7 - How children do it

An 8 year old child learns more words in a week than the average adult does on a year. We can learn a lot about vocabulary improvement by studying the strategies children use to learn new language. Find out more in lesson 7.

For more details check on http://www.improvingvocabulary.org

[kooshmaria]

Can anyone give me an advise how not to jump from topic to topic in the essay? thanks beforehead. and by the way this is a great site it helped me a  lot in the verbal part

[NYCGossipGirl]

Also, try to finish the page on the essay; length matters. Memorize vocab and read.

Edited by bobby1234, 18 September 2009 - 07:59 PM.
Removed long quote to keep thread clean

[bris]

first make a short plan about how to organie you're ideas. it can be easier to write it afterwards

[ggrant]

Although they do not say it anywhere. Make the essay 3 to 5 paragraphs and about 300 words long.

[Miamifinz]

In an SAT Essay, should I begin by stating the conflict, or begin by showing my position on the subject.

ie.

Conflict first: The __ vs __ theory is long debated. However, ...
Position first: Undoubtedly, the key ... . I feel doing __, rather than doing __, is better etc.

[rubel_linc]

Thanks a lot to you all. you are all nice

[rubel_linc]

How can i do well in critical reading?

[vitaminium21]

Well their are classes for doing well in this section of the test. They teach you how to read the passages effectively as they are not always the most enjoyable.

[PortikZsolt]

this ins unfair...for international players,the reading comprehension is 10time harder than for a us native dude:(

[chriscav]

Can anyone give me an advise how not to jump from topic to topic in the essay? thanks beforehead. and by the way this is a great site it helped me a  lot in the verbal part

Start with a clear thesis, then follow it with your proofs.

[vergalarga]

wow thanks a lot, that tips are helpin me in my practice exams, im grateful

[khawkins]

Thanks Alot guys these tips are very useful. I find the SAT hard to take, because of how long it is  >.< any tips on stamina in test taking?

[fazken]

Study Harder that will lead to the ultimate success. And every Importantly use the Free Test in this site I think it might help someway.

[fazken]

hey Always remember that knowledge never goes down the drain.

Eat less work more.