Top Things You Need to Know about Critical Reading/Writing Sections of the SAT By Mrs. Shea

Time Matters There are 3 critical reading timed sections, and 3 Writing Sections (4 25-minute sections, 1 20-minute section, & 1 10-minute section). MCAS was untimed, which makes it more challenging to switch to a timed test The ONLY way to complete what you need to get the score you want is to only eliminate an answer choice if you have NO IDEA about any of the answers, read only what you need to answer questions from critical reading passages, and to practice under timed conditions.

Know the Directions! The last thing you want to do is spend precious time reading the directions. Know the directions for each section before you sit for the test so that you don’t have to read them on test day! Go right to the real work of answering the questions. There are directions for: Essay, Reading Passages, Sentence Completions, Error IDs, and Improving Paragraphs

The Writing Prompt Is The Place to You “Show What You Know” Academic examples, only! Show the grader you KNOW how to write an essay. Universal statement/thesis in 1st paragraph (can tie to prompt), solid topic sentences in body, examples that support your thesis, and conclusion that restates thesis and makes a connection to life Major areas for grading: addressed Q with solid examples that related to topic, grammar and writing are solid, use of appropriate/elevated vocabulary, use all space, write neatly, indent

Guess … Aggressively On Grammar Sometimes, you will have a hunch on an error ID or improving paragraphs question; you may not recall the terminology as to why something is right or wrong, but you might know the answer—go with it if you think you know it! Only 1/5 actually no error, so use that to help you guess, and not use that option too often Know your parts of speech before the test!

The Vocabulary is Tough, but… Example: Because of his _____ disposition, you can never predict what he will do. A. sound- you know the meaning B. Spartan- sounds like Sparta, known for their military power C. stentorian- may not know at all- (very loud) D. mercurial- sounds like mercury- element that changes form from metal solid to liquid when heated; might also remember Mercutio from R&J, who had a quick, witty personality that often changed very quickly (bickering one minute, laughing the next, etc.) E. Herculean- sounds like Hercules, who was strong Answer is D You will know some of the vocabulary directly from class if you study the words you get there You should be able to make associations that will help you make an educated guess at the right answer

Don’t Read Everything! Only need to read what you need. Short passages are OK to read; long passages take too much time. Can’t walk into SAT and answer all critical reading Qs if you haven’t practiced! Students often say they have difficulty finding the right answer without reading the whole passage Only works if you: Know what the questions are asking Practice the timing of not reading everything There is a process: Read the italics at the beginning of the passage: should help you understand the main idea of the passage. Read the first sentence of each paragraph, so you know what the flow of the passage is like. Read the questions, and answer the ones with line references first. Go back and answer the questions at the beginning and end without line references.

This is the only part of the admissions process you can change quickly. Study of the proper techniques and practice under timed conditions are the two ways to improve your score You cannot change your extracurricular activities, part-time employment, or grades from the past 3-4 years, but you can improve your SAT score

Don’t Be Lazy About The SAT! You HAVE TO practice in order to improve Invest in a book with timed practice tests, form an SAT study group, or use free online prep tools (Ineedapencil.com, College Board Q of the Day, etc.) to practice Take all practice sections under timed conditions If not working on a whole section, give yourself 1 minute per question! Don’t use unlimited practice time!! Read the news for several weeks before the SAT to have backup essay examples if you cannot think of one from an academic class—do NOT use personal experience!