Joel's SAT Tips

Collective Nouns

(ie) the government, the company... are singular

CR - The Scientific Passage - Don't be intimidated by scientific jargon - You don't need to know scientific terms; they will be irrelavant or explained. - If there are math terms, they will be explained

- "That is" clues you in that this sentence will explain the previous one. - If you don't understand a sentence, chances are the previous or next one explained it.

CR - The Historical Passage - This will discuss a particular trend or period in history. - The author will make her own interpretation of it - Her interpretation will be supported with examples - read first example, skip the rest, write EX next to it

- After support the interpretation by referring to historians who agree or who disagree so she can refute their interpretation - CIRCLE the names of historians and decide whether they agree or disagree

CR - The Art Passage - The art passage will be about an art: literature, painting, sculpture, crafts, music - or a particular artist: musician, craftsman, writer

- All examples the author will have had a POSITIVE attitude towards the artist or art form - The author will never say "Beethoven sucks" (This does NOT apply to the DOUBLE passage)

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 2 After you read, ask yourself what it was about. - Spend 2-6 seconds summarizing in your head - look at the paragraph while doing this

- Can jot notes and paraphrases in the margin - Can underline key words This strategy might force you to concentrate

CR - The Gigantic Passage - The gigantic passage is meant to be overwhelming

- The questions tend to be in the order they appear - That is usually true for all passages, but ALWAYS true for the gigantic passage

CR - The Double Passage 2 separate passages that either oppose, support, or in some way complement each other - Do it in this order: 1> Read Introduction 2> Read First Passage 3> Do First Passage Questions 4> Read Second Passage 5> Do Second Passage Questions 6> Do BOTH Passage Questions

- You should be able to tell if the passages agree or disagree - The introduction will help by saying: - "much in common" - probably agree - "present two views" - probably disagree - generally, if 2 different subjects are written at different times, then they probably agree - if the same subject is written in the same time or place, then they probably disagree

CR - The Minority Passage - this passage is entirely predictable - GOOD things are going to be said about a minority

- so negative attitudes will be incorrect answers - only positive attitudes

CR - The Fiction Passage - an excerpt from a piece of literary fiction - read it carefully to pickup the subtleties - when answering questions, don't read too deeply

- you may have to interpret figurative meanings, but do not be too profound and read into things that aren't there. - pay attention to the author's STYLE and TONE

(Six Types of Questions)

...

Improving Paragraphs

1) skim paragraph to find main idea of whole passage and each paragraph 2) POE

Type 2 Explicit Facts

1. According of the fourth paragraph, some economists feel that.... 2. According to the passage, an atom of which of the following substances will split, releasing energy and more neutrons? 3. According to the passage, Margaret asked Mrs. Horn's opinion because she..... These are pretty easy if you were paying attention. Plus you can look back quickly to double-check.

Type 3 Implicit (Inferences, Reading Between the Lines)

1. It can be inferred that the guilds were organized as they were because..... 2. It can be inferred that each of the following applies to perfecti except 3. With which of the following statement about marketing would the author most likely agree? Again, think of your own idea first, and see which of the answers most closely resembles your thought. You will be less likely to go for the first of impostor answer if you already have something in mind. Fort these implicit questions, the answer choice that is most obvious and merely restate a fact is probably wrong. You must read between the lines and pick the answer that takes the facts give in the passage to the next level and derives an appropriate conclusion from the provided details.

The Basic Pattern

1. Read the sentence, first skipping over the blanks just to get a feel for how the sentence is set up. 2. Read the sentence again, and this time when you get to the blanks, guess on your own what the missing words should be. You may not be able to come up with a specific word, but all you really need to determine is the answer's generic category-whether the word is a "negative"or a "positive" one. In the blank write a "+" or "-" to remind yourself what type of word you're are looking for. When there are two blanks, you should at least decided whether the two missing words are antonyms or synonyms,"good" or "bad" 3. Compare your guesses with the answer choices provided and see if any of them fit your general idea of what the answer should be. 4. Plug in the answer that looks best and see if it makes sense. 5. If it clearly makes sense, then go with it. Otherwise, try all the other choices and pick the one that works the best. If the question contains double blanks, make sure you read both words for every answer choice, and pick the pair that best fits the blanks. As you're trying choices, cross out the ones that you're sure don't fit. Then, if you get suck and decide to come back to the question, you won't have to waste time reading all of the choices again.

Type 1: General (Main idea)

1. The author is primarily concerned with...... 2. Which of the following titles best summarizes the passage? 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to........ Look at the topic paragraph and concluding paragraph, as well as the first sentence of each of the other paragraphs. It also helps to think of an idea before reading the answers.

Type 5: Vocabulary-in-Context

1. The word "obtrusive" is used line 12 to mean... 2. The phrase "underlying themes" (line 7) refers to the 3. Which of the following best captures the meaning of the word "alliance" in line 32? Don't give up if you don't know the word; you are supposed to figure it out from the context. Also, be careful-it probably isn't the most common definition of the word. Treat these vocabulary-in context questions as you would sentence completion. It might help you plug all the answer choices into the sentence from the passage and see which one best replaces the given word or phrase.

Type 4 Author's Logic

1. What tone does the author take toward the chickens? 2. Which of the following best describes the development of the passage? 3. The author cites specific examples of the work of slave artisans primarily to..... Pretend you're the author (but don't spend the time the real author ought to spend regretting ever having written such a boring, useless passage). As you're reading, circle adjectives and strong words that indicate the author's tone. To glean the author's attitude toward the subject, make note of how the author uses diction, sentence syntax, and imagery.

Type 6: Comparison (Only on the Double Passage)

1. Which statement from Passage 1 does not have a parallel idea in Passage 2? 2. How would the author of Passage 1 respond to the idea of the "crazy spoons" in passage 2? 3. Which statement is best supported by the two passages? Think back to whether the passages are generally agreeing or disagreeing, and think about how their main ideas relate to each other. Chances are, the specifics follow the general trends.

Sentence Completions Only ONE choice will make sense LOGICALLY Basic Pattern: 1> Read the sentence skipping the blanks

2> Read the sentence again guessing the blanks - Decide if blank is positive or negative, + or - - If 2 blanks, are they synonyms or antonyms?3> Compare your guesses to the answer choices 4> Plug in the answer that looks best to see if it makes sense 5> If not, cross out bad choices; make sure both words work

Sentence Completion Rules 1) Put your own word in the blank before you even glance at the answer choices 2) When a sentence completion has two blanks, start by matching the second blank first.

3) If you have no idea on a question, and it comes early in a section, guess an easy word; if it comes late, guess a hard word.

4 Key Rules to Critical Reading 1. KNOW YOUR SPEED You have about 40 seconds/problem Practice to know how fast you are moving 2. DO SUBSECTIONS IN THE BEST ORDER 1> Sentence Completion 2> Short Passages 3> Long Passages

3. REALIZE QUESTIONS GET HARDER WITHIN SUBSECTION First Questions, obvious answer is correct Last Question, obvious choice is probably incorrect 4. KNOW THE DIRECTIONS They do not change

Prepositions

A preposition links a noun or a pronoun to other words in a sentence. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun as its object. Jenny's favorite part (of the SAT) is the essay section. Commonly used prepositions - about, at, by, for, in, of, on , to, with

Critical Reading Passages Do as many practice tests as you can to figure out your speed In order to improve comprehension, expand your reading horizons; read newspapers and magazines

ABANDON NEGATIVE THINKING Convince yourself these will be interesting passages. POSITIVE ATTITUDE!! :)

Key words change logic of the sentence

Although_________but despite__________except far from (Far from doing blah blah, the thing has done almost the opposite of blah blah.) in spite of_________instead of nevertheless_______unless while(While that is true, it is also true that this is true.) yet (That is true, yet we mus also recognize that this is true.)

Adjective/Adverb

Check For --> adj/adv confusion, diction error, double negative, counting error, modification error

Pronoun Subject Form(Common Errors)

Check For --> agreement, case, vagueness, redundancy. Subject Form (I, you, he, she, we, they, it, who). Subject Sample - Who wants to attend the workshop? I want to attend the workshop. Object Form (me, you, him, her, us, them i, whom). Object Sample - Give whom a perfect score? Give me a perfect score.

Nouns

Check For --> agreement, parallelism, redundancy

Verbs (Common Errors)

Check For --> agreement, parallelism, tense. If a verb is underlined, chances are that it does not agree with the subject or it is in the wrong tense. Mark the subject and the verb and check for agreement.

Phrase/Clause

Check For --> misplaced modifiers, conjunction errors, redundancy, improper idiom, parallelism

Sentence Completions

Definition: Fill in the blank Priority: Do them first Comment: Not that bad once you get the hang of them

Critical Reading Passage

Definition: Passage followed by questions Priority: Do these last Comment Each consecutive passage is harder than the one before it. However, the question following a particular passage are not arranged from easiest to hardest.

Rule 2: Do the Subsections in the Best Order

Do Sentence completions take the least amount time, so do them first. Then do short reading passages. The long critical reading passages take the most time, do them last.

Rule 1: Know Your Speed

Good control of your speed and timing must be second nature to you when you take the real test. There will be three sections

Critical Reading If you are given a line number, you are responsible for the material one thumb's width above and one thumb's width below it. The correct answer will be the one that summarizes, not analyzes.

If no line number is given, it is most likely a "primary purpose" question. Look at the top or the bottom for the answer.

Pronoun Agreement

If pronoun is underlined, make sure it agrees w/ the corresponding noun

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 5 Skip the last (longest) reading passage if you are having trouble finishing the verbal subsections.

If you skip it, there will more time for the rest. They are easier and are worth the same number of points

Double Passage

If you think this plan doesn't work for you, don't do it in this order. 1. Read introduction 2. Read first passage. 3. Do first passage questions. 4. Read second passage. 5. Do second passage questions 6. Do both passage questions. Note: If you spend too much time on one question, skip it!

Strategy 1 - IS & ISE

Improving Sentences (IS) and Identifying Sentence Errors (ISE) are ordered by level of difficulty. Skip problems that are more difficult for you.

Strategy 2 - IS

Improving Sentences (IS) give clues to help fix the error. Look for similarities and differences in answer choices. Mark out the error in the original sentence. Eliminate answers that repeat this error or introduce a new error.

SAT TRICK Incorrect Sentence (Comma Splice)

It is grammatically incorrect to splice together two independent clauses with a comma. Examples - The path was icy, she needed to exercise care as she made her way to the house. No man is an island, what affects one human being inevitably affects others as well.

Parallelism

Make sure items in a list are in parallel in form (ie) (word)-ing, (word)-ing, (word)-ing

Critical Reading Tips Critical reading question refer to what is "stated or implied" in the passage Do NOT use outside information

Never choose an answer that makes a FALSE statement But, do NOT assume a true statement is the correct one The answers should be applicable to the passage

Rule 4: Know the Directions

Put an X on the questions you aren't able to do. Put ? if you have more time, later on.

Critical Reading The only thing being tested is what you comprehend The correct answer is always the one that sounds like the plot summary The correct answer is one that does NOT require any insight Choices that sound intelligent are generally wrong

Quick Tip: Mark Questions that you skip X : probably cannot figure out ? : you might get with more time * : questions you answered but are unsure of

Passages

Scientific Passage- you don't need to know scientific terms. Just read the passage and don't need to panic Historical Passage- discuss a particular trend or period of history. The author will support interpretation with examples that disagree and agree with the author's opinion. Circle names of historians the author refers to and decide whether they agree or disagree-there will probably be a question about them. Art Passage- consists art-literature, painting, sculpture, crafts, music, etc.-or a particular artist-musician, craftsman, writer, etc. The author might have some specific criticisms, but the over point of the passage will be complimentary. Fiction Passage- You might have to interpret the figurative meanings of parts of the passage that aren't there. Also, make sure that you pay attention to author's style and tone. .

1. Ways to correct a Run-On (4)

Separate the Run -On into two sentences. I want to score well. I need to practice.

Subject/Verb Agreement

Singular w/ singular, Plural w/ plural, ignore prepositional phrases when checking for agreement

Strategy 5 What section of test should you skip?

Skim [the last (longest reading subsections.) They argue that it takes several minutes to do this passage. Less time, are easier and are worth the same number of points.

Strategy 2 What was the paragraph about?

Spend 2 to 6 seconds summarizing the contents of the paragraph in your head.

Misplaced Modifier

The First noun or pronoun after the comma must be modified by the introductory phrase. While working in the vocabulary lab, my pencil rolled off the table. (incorrect). While working in the vocabulary lab, I spilled ink on myself. (correct).

Rule 3: Realize That Question Get Harder

The first question in a subsection is usually easy. Skip the hard questions because it wastes time.

SIX TYPES OF CRITICAL READING QUESTIONS Type 1 - General (Main Idea) - Look at the topic paragraph and concluding paragraph; first sentences Type 2 - Explicit (Facts) - According to the passage... Type 3 - Implicit (Inferences, Read between the Lines) - answer that restates a fact is probably wrong

Type 4 - Author's Logic - Circle adjectives and strong words as you read Type 5 - Vocabulary in Context Type 6 - Comparison (double passage) - do they agree or not?

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 3 Usually the passage will be composed of a few sentences that state the author's main idea and others that contain facts to support it.

UNDERLINE any sentence that is purely the author's main idea

Type 2: Decodable Words

Unusual words that they don't except you to know offhand but that you can figure out if you are clever. Example: The word decodable is a decodable word. You could decode it like this: "de"=take out; remorse "code"=words or symbols with secret meanings +"able"=capable of being decodable= capable of being taken out of its secret meaning

Improving Sentences

Use POE (process of elimination). Questions give clues to fix errors. Eliminate answers that repeat this error or introduce new errors.

3. Ways to correct a Run On (4)

Use a coordinating conjuction preceded by a comma: I want to score well, so I need to practice.

2. Ways to correct a Run-On (4)

Use a semicolon, either with or without a conjunctive adverb, and a comma: I want to score well; I need to practice. I want to score well; therefore, I need to practice.

4. Ways to correct a Run On (4)

Use a subordinating conjunction: Because I want to score well, I need to practice.

Coordinating Conjuctions (FANBOYS)

Used to connect two independent clauses. , for , and , nor , but , or , yet , so

Conjunctive Adverbs (5)

Used to connect two independent clauses. ; nevertheless, ; however, ; therefore, ; consequently. ; furthermore,

Subordinating Conjuctions (6)

Used to connect two independent clauses. when, as, whle, since, because, although

Strategy 3 Author's main idea

Usually will be composed of a few sentences that state the author's main idea and others that contain facts to support the main idea. As you read the passage, underline any sentence that is purely a statement of the author's main idea. It is guaranteed that there will be at least one question relating to these sentences, and if you underline them, you won't have to waste time looking for them. We highly recommend that you use this strategy.

Critical Reading AVOID answers with STRONG wording AVOID THESE WORDS (generally, not always) always never must extremely undoubtedly fully could only

WISHY WASHY WORDS often come with the correct answer might may be could be suggests/implies minorly could be seen as arguably

Pronoun Caution

Watch out for "it", "they", and "this"

Conjuctions

When a sentence contains two independent clauses, you must use conjuctions in the form of (Conjunctive Adverbs, Coordinating Conjunctions - FANBOYS and Subodinating Conjuctions.

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 4 While you are reading, underline the main sentence in each paragraph.

When you are answering the questions the underlining will automatically draw your attention to the main idea of each paragraph.

Strategy 4 Main sentence

While you are reading, underline the main sentence in each paragraph. The sound of your pencil will distract the other test takers, making them lose concentration and improving your score in comparison. And when you are answering the questions, the underlining will automatically draw your attention to the main idea of each paragraph.

Type 1: Almost-Normal Words

Words that you would encounter in the course of doing your homework, listening or articulate people, or watching TV. Ex: If you saw the movie The Wizard of Oz, you heard the word pusillanimous.

Strategy 6 Beware of tricky questions

a. Get back to the basics: Make sure you can support the answer you choose with direct evidence from the reading passage. Never choose an answer because it sound right or because of your outside knowledge (smarty pants!) b. Keep it mellow: The correct answers to critical reading questions tend to use moderate language. If a choice seems extreme, offensive or deceptive, it's probably not the correct answer. c. If a question directs you to a specific line, start about four lines above it and read four lines past it. This will help you better understand the context of the key lines.

Strategy 1: Skim the questions before reading the passage

a. Read only the questions; don't read the answers, too. If the question is about specific line in the passage, mark that line so that when you read the passage you will know to focus on the marked lines. (This especially helpful for the vocabulary-in-context questions.) b. When you see a question that asks for something, such as "Which is the best title?" or "The main idea of the passage is..," disregard it and go on the next question. Why? Because you should always assume that there will be at least question like that, so you don't even have to bothering reading it. c. As you read the passage, circle anything that is an answer to one of the questions. Don't immediately go and answer the question because that will break your concentration and interfere with your comprehension.

hyper

above ex: hyperactive

re

again ex: redo

anti

against ex: antibody

contra

against ex: contradict

dis

apart ex: disparity

circum

around ex: circumnavigate

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 6 Get Back to the Basics a) make sure you can support your answer with direct evidence from the reading. NEVER choose an answer because it sounds right or because of your outside knowledge.

b) Correct answers use moderate language, never extreme, offensive or deceptive language c) If a question states a specific line, start about 4 lines above it and read 4 lines past it to better understand the context.

retro

back ex: retroactive

mal

bad ex: malevolent

ante

before ex: antecedent

hypo

below ex: hypothermia

inter

between ex: interstate

Critical Reading Passages - Strategy 1 Skim the questions before reading the passage a) Read only the questions, not the answers - if a line number is mentioned, mark it b) Disregard general questions, they are always there

c) As you read, circle anything that can be an answer; don't answer the questions yet. d) When you are reading, don't get too caught up looking for the answers

pro

for ex: protagonist

-ing endings

frequently make a sentence awkward and unnecessarily wordy

bene

good ex: beneficial

sanct

holy ex: sanctify

multi

many ex: multiple

poly

many polytheism

neo

new ex: neophyte

homo

same ex: homogenous

auto

self ex: autobiography

micro

small ex: microscope

dict

speak ex: diction

bi

two ex: bicycle

di

two ex: dichotomy

a

without ex: amoral