Do you know about the new SAT Exam?

The new SAT Exam is making its debut this March! The newly designed test really focuses on the skill of reading comprehension! All vocabulary-related, "fill in" sections have now been omitted, but the test-taker is now expected to recognize words in context. Here are some reading-related tips for success on the new SAT Exam:

1) Scan the questions prior to reading the passage. As you read, make a "star" or "bullet" next to ideas that relate to the questions. Don't worry about taking too much time to do this! What you really need to know are the important ideas within a passage.

2)  How do you identify the important ideas in a passage? As you read, look for broad statements, concluding thoughts, pivotal questions and underlying themes. Inevitably, there is a reading question that tests your ability to identify these "bigger" ideas.

3)  As you read, identify the tone of the passage. Is the author just presenting the facts in an objective, journalistic manner? Is the author commending or lauding an idea or individual in the passage? Is the author sarcastic when making a particular point? Is the author condemning an idea and sending a warning?

4)  Use process of elimination to find the best answer. There is no longer a penalty for  guessing  on the SAT.

5)  Since vocabulary is now appearing "within" the confines of a passage, determine how the word is being used. Can you use your etymological prowess to determine the meaning of a word? For example, if a character in a passage is "circumspect," that means that the thoughts go "around and around" in his or her mind. Study a list of etymological origins before the take the SAT Exam. Here is a small sampling of the prefixes you need to know:

magna - large

ben - good

omni-all

anthro - man

volv-turn

terra - land

neo, nov - new

mal-bad

6)  How can you best prepare for success? Read! It's important to read essays, editorials, non-fiction selections, poems, fiction and more! The more you read, the more you will increase your reading fluency and familiarity with language. Don't wait for your teacher to assign a reading-related task! Pick up a book, magazine, journal, newspaper or volume of poetry and read!

7)  Learn how to meet deadlines! The SAT is a rigorous test that utilizes college-level reading selections to test your ability to discern meaning and content. Set a timer and read a passage in a practice book or online. Analyze what types of questions you get right and wrong. Determine how you can increase your focus and really "find" that best answer.

8)  Learn new vocabulary! Jot down a new word and an accompanying definition on an index card. "Post" these cards around your room! Every SAT prep book contains a list of words that you need to know! Set a study schedule and increase your vocabulary.

Good luck!

Claudia Marcus

Department Chair of History and English Grades 6-12