SAT & ACT Training Plan; Step I: READ

The best advice that one can give a person who wants to get more enjoyment and value out of their life is to read novels, non-fiction, The N.Y. Times, national, literary, and news magazines like New Yorker, New York Magazine, Discover, The Economist, Harpers, The Atlantic Monthly, Time, Newsweek. These magazines can be read on line at: Literary magazines 

Reading is the BEST single thing that a student can do to improve their SAT and ACT scores. Two thirds of the SAT score is comprised of the scores of the Critical Reading and Writing sections. The SAT critical reading section tests reading comprehension, and vocabulary. The only way to improve reading comprehension is to READ and reading is the best way to improve vocabulary. In a way the SAT and ACT is a vocabulary test. If you want to do well you need a strong vocabulary. If you don't understand the words in the reading passages you will struggle with comprehension. When you read, you learn vocabulary in context giving your mind a schema or framework for remembering the meaning of the word. We remember things better when they mean something. The SAT tests the secondary and tertiary definitions of words which are learned from seeing words in context.

Vocabulary

Gary Gruber Ph.D is recognized nationally as the leading expert on standardized test. His book, Gruber's Complete SAT Guide 2010 is in its 13th edition. Gruber analyzed 47 SAT tests and published a list of SAT words that appeared more than once over those 47 tests. The list is less than 140 words. Gruber lists 291 words that he, designates as, "frequently used." If you are committed to memorizing vocabulary you will get a better pay off learning Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes that you can use to decipher words. Sixty percent of all the words in the English language are derived from Greek or Latin.

In addition to reading, listen to quality radio and T.V. and to people who speak well. Playing word games like cross word puzzles, anagrams, and Scrabble will help you increase your vocabulary. (Gruber) When you come across a word that you don't know send your self a text or Facebook message with the word and its definition in it.

READ something every day from the sources mentioned in the first paragraph. When you read note the words that you don't understand and try to define them in context. Send your self a reminder message with the word and the sentence.

Active Reading Approach

Be an active reader and read with a purpose. In other words ask yourself the following questions as you read.

1.What is the main idea?

2.What is the author's opinion?

3.What is the tone or mood (serious, satirical, humorous, critical, mysterious)of the piece of writing?

4.What key information does the author use or imply in defending their thesis?

5.Predict what the author is going to say or the character is going to do?

6.Think of questions that you would like to ask the author and read to find the answers.

7.What do you like and dislike about the characters?

8.Underline and annotate (take notes in the margin) words and phrase that help you answer the questions above.

Be curious when you are reading. Read what interests you. Read what you enjoy.