SAT Critical Reading The critical reading sections on SAT are designed to test your ability to read and understand written English of the level you need to make the most of a university course. There are two types of questions:  Sentence Completion  Reading Comprehension

These questions require a level of vocabulary that should not be a problem if you have been in the habit of reading good books throughout your high school career. However, if you are not a good reader, or if English is your second language, you will have to work hard to raise your vocabulary to the required level. You can start with learning Wordlists that you can spread over a number of weeks.Wordlists If you have more time available it would be a good idea to read some classic books.

Practice tests The practice tests are designed for you in each of the areas, contain vocabulary of the level used by the SAT test makers. Keep a notebook handy while doing the tests and jot down any unfamiliar words. Look them up in a dictionary and learn them before taking any further tests.

SAT Sentence Completion Sentence completion questions account for about one quarter of the marks for the critical reading section of SAT I. Each question contains one or two blanks, you have to find the best answer choice to make the sentence make complete sense. Be sure to study the sentence carefully so that you notice all the clues built into the sentence. On the actual test the sentence completion questions will be graded from easy to hard. On average you will need a little under one minute to answer each question.

SAT Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension (Critical Reading) questions test your ability to understand a passage and answer question on the basis of what is stated and implied in the passage. read the passage first to identify main idea, author's tone and attitude the organization of the passage. Go back to the relevant point in the text as you do each question.

Passages vary in length from short paragraphs that take 3 minutes to read and answer two questions, to ones that take 15 minutes to read and answer 13 questions. One section will contain two related long passages. Mini tests contain one paragraph reading comprehensions. Be sure to read the directions and the time allowed at the beginning of each test.

SAT Writing The SAT tests your writing skills in two ways: SAT Essay one essay to be written in 25 minutes SAT Grammar questions – SAT Grammar two sections, one of 25 minutes and one of 10 minutes

SAT Essay Following a format gives you the confidence that you can finish in the time limit ensures you cover the topic adequately gives a sensible structure to your essay

FORMAT I - The one-example essay Select one suitable illustrative example from your personal experience, or your reading, or knowledge of current affairs, history, science etc. and use this as the basis for a discussion of the topic. The example should be specific and ‘real’ rather than invented. It is best to avoid religion or politics or anything controversial. There is no word limit but a limited space is provided. The space you have to fill is approximately one and a half sides of A4 paper. The space is sufficient to write a five-paragraph essay. You will have to write in pencil.

Paragraph 1: Introduction Try to create interest in the topic. The introduction can be general but must include a thesis statement to point the reader in the right direction.

Paragraph 2: Part I of the example Describe the situation and cover about half the “example” here.

Paragraph 3: Part II of the example Finish the “example”.

Paragraph 4: Discussion/analysis Explain what your example shows. Extract the conclusions/moral lessons to show how it supports your thesis.

Paragraph 4: Discussion/analysis Explain what your example shows. Extract the conclusions/moral lessons to show how it supports your thesis.

Paragraph 5: General conclusion Show how the example leads to more general conclusions about the topic. (If possible, relate to material from the introduction to round the essay off.)

FORMAT II - The two-example essay Paragraph 1: Introduction Explain, in your own words, what the issue is. Include a thesis statement, which is a clear statement of your point of view

Paragraph 2: Point one in support of your thesis Explain the point you are making with the aid of a specific example.

Paragraph 3: Point two in support of your thesis Explain the point you are making with the aid of a specific example

Paragraph 4: Conclusion -- Reinforcement of thesis Show how your viewpoint, despite the qualification you have just made, is more persuasive under the present circumstances.

SAT Grammar There are 49 grammar questions on the SAT writing section. Grammar accounts for over two thirds of the marks on this section. Questions are of 3 types: Identification of sentence errors Sentence correction (improving sentences) Editing in context (improving paragraphs)

SAT Vocabulary The best way to prepare for the SAT and unfamiliar words is to READ! READ! READ! You can also study vocabulary lists – be sure to understand the difference between nouns, adjectives, adverbs and verbs!