SAT Exam Preparation Tips: Reading
In order to score better in the SAT reading section, you should practice active reading to grasp the main ideas and the writer’s message in the given passage.
You are also required to manage your time effectively to ensure that you manage to answer all the questions asked from the passage.
These essential tips will help you to achieve a good score in the SAT reading section:
Understand the format: The reading section typically consists of passages followed by multiple-choice questions. There are four passages: one each in literature, history/social studies, and science, and one paired passage.
Practice Skimming the passages: Quickly skim (read) through the passage before answering any questions to understand its structure, main ideas, and tone. Also, pay attention to the headings, subheadings, and quotations.
Highlight the key terms: Highlight critical information, such as main ideas, supporting details, and the author's argument or perspective. You can also summarise each paragraph in a few words to quickly locate it if any relevant questions are asked.
Focus on evidence: For questions about specific details or inferences, always refer to the passage for evidence. Avoid making assumptions or relying solely on your memory. The correct answer should be supported by the information provided in the passage.
Eliminate wrong answers: Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices, especially if you're unsure about an answer. Cross out any incorrect options, and then carefully consider the remaining choices.
Manage your time: Make sure that you have enough time to read each passage thoroughly and answer all the questions. You have about 65 minutes to complete the reading section, so allocate your time accordingly.
Practice, practice, practice: Familiarise yourself with the SAT exam questions you'll encounter in the reading section by practising regularly with SAT practice tests.
Click here to learn how to boost your score in the SAT Reading section!
SAT Preparation in India: Tips for Writing & Language
To shine in the IELTS Writing and Language section, write clear and well-structured essays backed by strong arguments and evidence.
Take time to brush up on your grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary to ensure your writing is as clear as possible.
These tips will help you to write better essays in the SAT writing and language section:
- Know the Test Setup: Understand how the Writing & Language section works. There are different types of questions, such as fixing mistakes, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. Knowing this helps you plan your approach.
- Brush Up on Grammar: Spend time reviewing basic grammar and punctuation. Get comfortable with where to put commas, make sure sentences make sense, and match subjects with verbs.
- Grow Your Word Bank: Learn new words regularly by reading challenging material. Write down any new words you find and use flashcards or apps to help remember them. A strong vocabulary helps with picking the right words and understanding their meanings.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Do plenty of practice questions and complete tests under time pressure. Look out for common mistakes and figure out why they're wrong.
- Learn from Mistakes: When you make mistakes, figure out why. Look for patterns in your mistakes and focus on improving those areas.
- Manage Your Time: Practice working well to finish all the questions. It's better to guess than to leave questions blank.
- Read Actively: Pay attention when you read. Think about what the author is saying and how they're saying it. Summarise what you've read in your own words to make sure you understand it well.
SAT Exam Preparation Tips: Maths
The SAT Math section tests your math skills and problem-solving abilities. Here's the deal: there are 58 questions total, with a mix of multiple-choice and grid-in questions.
You get 80 minutes to tackle them all, and some sections allow calculator use while others don't, so be ready for both scenarios!
These tips will help you to write better essays in the SAT Maths section:
- Know the Test Format: Understand the format of the SAT Mathematics section. It includes multiple-choice and grid-in questions covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and more. Knowing what to expect can help you focus your studies.
- Master Key Concepts: Focus on mastering key mathematical concepts tested on the SAT, such as algebraic expressions, equations, geometry theorems, and trigonometric functions. Build a strong foundation in these areas to tackle a variety of questions.
- Practice Regularly: Practice solving SAT-style math questions regularly to familiarise yourself with the problems you'll encounter. Start with more straightforward questions and gradually work up to more challenging ones as you gain confidence.
- Review Math Fundamentals: Review fundamental math skills such as arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic geometry formulas. These skills are often tested in conjunction with more complex concepts.
- Use Official Practice Materials: Utilise official SAT practice materials from the College Board. These resources are the most accurate exam representation and can help you become familiar with the test's content and format.
- Work on Time Management: Aim to complete each section within the allotted time, and don't get stuck on difficult questions. Learn to recognise when to move on and return later if time allows.
- Review Mistakes Thoroughly: Review any mistakes you make during practice sessions carefully. Understand why you got a question wrong and learn from it. Look for patterns in your mistakes to identify areas where you need improvement.
