As if ACT and SAT reading passages are not difficult enough, the test makers like to select passages that contain multiple viewpoints to confuse the average high school reader. The more opinions a passage contains, the more likely students are going to misinterpret the author’s viewpoint, which is often the main idea. So how do […]
ACT and SAT Reading Tips: The Author’s Attitude
As a teenager, you’ve probably been told you have a bad attitude at least once. It’s a rite of passage in these years of immense physiological change and social and parental pressure. But do you know how to recognize a negative attitude on the ACT or SAT?
Reading List for Those Taking the SAT/ACT and Applying to College
Looking for further reading? Try one of these titles for more information on standardized testing, admissions, and financial aid. SAT and ACT Testing The Official SAT Study Guide, by The College Board In-depth test-taking strategies and eight practice tests. The Real ACT Prep Guide, by ACT Extensive test review and three practice tests with detailed […]
SAT Reading Tips: Related Answers in Sentence Completion Questions
Humans are programmed to make logical connections, which is never more evident than in our classification of words. We group words by topic and meaning from an early age. For example, consider your early associations with the word dog. It is likely that as a small child just learning to talk, you learned other words […]
SAT Reading Tips: Parts of Speech in Sentence Completion Questions
The five answer choices following a Sentence Completion question stem always share the same part of speech. This rule is important to remember in the event you come across a question like the following:
How to Improve your SAT Vocabulary—for Free!
While the College Board claims the SAT is not a vocabulary test, there is no denying that a broad vocabulary is required for a high Critical Reading score. But there is no reason to invest in expensive vocabulary books, flash cards, or computer programs. The internet has everything you need to improve your vocabulary, and […]
SAT Reading Tips: Decode Vocabulary Words with a Foreign Language
Are you currently taking language classes for Spanish, French, or Italian? If so, you may have an edge on the SAT. Since these languages have many words with Greek and Latin roots, you can often apply translations to English word counterparts.
Your Summer SAT and ACT Reading List
Students with excellent reading and comprehension skills find the verbal sections of the SAT and the reading test on the ACT much easier to attack. Classic literature offers you a chance to practice reading typical SAT and ACT passages and to expand your vocabulary.
Top Free Vocabulary Resources
While the College Board claims the SAT is not a vocabulary test, there is no denying that a broad vocabulary is required for a high Critical Reading score on the current test. But there is no reason to invest in expensive vocabulary books, flash cards, or computer programs. The internet has everything you need to […]
How to Start Studying for the SAT
We can procrastinate no longer. June is over. Independence Day is past. It’s time to return our blog and our attention to the SAT. I know, I know—I’m not happy about it, either. We were having so much fun last month, and now we have to refocus and get serious. But I’ll start slow. Rather […]