In broad terms, the SAT tests students' reading, grammar, and math skills. However, if you've started studying for the exam, you know there's a lot more to it than that. Certain concepts and question types come up time and time again, and preparing for precisely what’s on the test is important if you want to perform your best.
Read on for 6 important skills to master as you get ready for the SAT, and click here to download our 1-page guide.
Reading & Writing
Choosing words in context: Some questions on the Reading & Writing section will as you to choose a word that completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase. For these questions, it's important to think about the context rather than just about what word sounds best in the sentence. Who or what must the word in the blank describe? What else do you know about that person or thing? Then, come up with your own word without looking at the answer choices. Once you have in mind the correct meaning for the word that belongs in the blank, selecting the correct answer becomes much easier.
Identifying the author's purpose: Consider the tone and theme of the passage. Ask yourself two questions. First, what is the author trying to accomplish with this information? Second, what would the passage lose if this word, line, or paragraph were removed? If you can articulate the author's purpose in your own words, you'll increase your chances of recognizing the correct answer.
Connecting clauses: Knowing which punctuation marks to use between clauses is one of the most frequent concepts you'll encounter on the SAT. After identifying the independent and dependent clauses within a sentence, make sure you know the rules for using periods, semicolons, colons, commas, and dashes between clauses.
Transitioning between ideas: Read the whole sentence, both before and after the underlined portion. Ask yourself how the two ideas relate (contrast, support, cause & effect, or sequence). Pick the answer choice that connects the ideas accordingly.
Math
Solving systems of equations: Linear equations appear frequently on the SAT. Know how to use the SAT's built-in Desmos calculator to solve the majority of these questions, and the substitution technique or the elimination method—whichever you’re more comfortable with—to solve the remaining ones.
Using Desmos effectively: While you may be tempted to try solving SAT Math problems by hand, graphing equations in Desmos or using the functions in Desmos' scientific calculator can save you precious moments and help you finish the test in a timely manner. Learn when and how to use Desmos to your best advantage.
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