Last-Minute SAT Verbal Tips to Save your Butt on Test Day…
Are you gearing up for the SAT and feeling the pressure? Don't worry! I’m here to share some rapid-fire, last-minute SAT Verbal Tips to save your butt on test day! From understanding how to approach passages to identifying the right answers, these tips are designed to boost your confidence and performance. Let's dive into the strategies that will make the verbal section a breeze!
For Reading Passages, Leave What You Know at the Door
When tackling the SAT reading section, it's crucial to leave your pre-conceived notions and prior knowledge at the door. Even if you know something about a topic a passage is about, FORGET IT! The SAT is designed to test your comprehension and reasoning skills based on the information provided in the passages. Stick to the text and avoid bringing in outside information.
There is Only ONE Right Answer—It’s Not Subjective
Remember, the SAT verbal section is not subjective. There is only one right answer for each question. Carefully analyze each option and choose the one that best matches the information presented in the passage. Sometimes, we can get so caught in the “what if" of an answer choice. The fact of the matter is, if something is potentially wrong with an answer, it’s probably not the answer! Which brings me to…
Look for What’s WRONG, Not What’s RIGHT About an Answer
When evaluating answer choices, focus on identifying what is wrong rather than right. Does the answer stray from the main point? Does it address irrelevant parts of the text? Does it even RELATE to the question being asked? Is it using absolute language like “always,” “never,” “every,” or “all” that isn’t used in the passage? If any one of these things are wrong about an answer choice, it’s not the correct answer choice!
Paraphrase Passages in Your Own Words
Paraphrasing passages in your own words can significantly improve your understanding and retention! It’s going to help tremendously when it comes to retention. Use the bluebook app to highlight and take notes, which helps keep you actively focused and engaged with the material. It will make answering the questions so much easier!
Don’t Choose an Answer on Punctuation Because it “Sounds Right”
On the writing part of the section, avoid selecting an answer solely based on how it "sounds." When we choose an answer that “sounds right,” that’s what I call your “grammar ear” and it’s pretty damn reliable, but not with punctuation! You can’t “hear” the difference between a comma, colon, semicolon, or dash. Punctuation can be tricky, and the SAT may use it to mislead you. Make sure your choice aligns with the grammar rules. Click here for a Quizlet I created for all the punctuation and grammar rules you need to know >>
Don’t Read the Notes on Rhetorical Synthesis
For rhetorical synthesis questions (aka the ones that have the bulleted student notes on the left), skip the notes and go straight to the question. Match what the question is asking you (called the question “stem) to the answer choices without getting bogged down by additional information.
Look for Agreement or Disagreement on the Transition Questions
Another big category of questions in the writing section of the SAT verbal is the transition questions. Transition questions require you to identify the relationship between ideas. Look for agreement or disagreement between the statements to determine the correct transition.
By implementing these rapid-fire tips, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the SAT verbal section with confidence. Remember to stay focused, practice regularly, and trust in your preparation. Good luck on test day!
For more tips and strategies, follow us on our social media channels and stay tuned for more helpful content!
