The New Sat: Test Taking Strategies

SAT test preparation involves a clever SAT study(or given) in the passage.
plan, along with diligence and consistency. CriticalIn addition to these, there are some general strategies
Reading sections consist of two 25-minute sectionsthat a SAT test preparation program should focus on :
and one 20-minute section. Short critical readingTake Interest in reading: Unless you take interest in the
passages, lengthy (and often boring) readinggiven passage, you might not be able to get into the
comprehension passages, and (not necessarily) pairedauthor's shoes. To get high SAT Exam score, you
or double passages are found in the Critical Readingmust develop the habit of reading even those things
section. SAT practice tests, therefore, are anthat do not interest you. This is the reason why SAT
important part of SAT test preparation program.practice tests also contain not-so-interesting passages.
The new SAT does not provide readingUnderlining: It is important that you underline important
comprehension passages and questions in the order ofpoints while you read. This saves time when you
difficulty. Short-paragraph length passages have alsowould have to refer to the passage again to find a
been included lately. SAT pre test questions in a SATpiece of information. (Note- Do not under-line every
practice test can acquaint you with the new SATpart of the passage. This will lead to confusion.) Do not
structure. What does the Critical Reasoning sectionunderline only on the actual SAT, even when you
test? This section essentially tests a student on threesolve SAT practice tests, you should make it a point
parameters- understanding, interpretation, and analysis.to underline important parts of a passage.
Passages in this section are taken from socialKeep track of time: Do not spend more than two
sciences, humanities, natural sciences and fictionminutes on a question. In case, you find yourself stuck
non-fiction work.on any of the questions, try making an educated
Let us look at some of the common types ofguess, else skip that question.
questions of the CR section:Read all given choices: In many questions you may
1. Word Meaning or meaning of a phrase from thefeel that more than one choice is correct. Hence, you
passagejust go through all the given option to select the
2. Main idea, tone, mood, or the title.‘best' answer.
3. Information directly stated in the passageWatch out for the distracter(s): In some questions, you
4. Implied/assumed/suggested informationwould come across a choice that would look good, but
Research shows that students who read a lotwould not be the best answer. Such options are given
perform better than those who do not read often.to distract the test taker. Do not fall into the trap.
Reading is a good habit; it should be a part of yourA solid SAT test preparation program should entail
routine, and not just of your SAT test preparation plan.time-based SAT Practice Tests with SAT Pre test
There are some researched strategies that are quitequestions that cover all levels of difficulty- easy,
effective while dealing with the Critical Reading section.medium, and hard.SAT test preparation courses help
1. Never try answering the questions of two passagesstudents analyze their weaknesses, and learn
at the same time: always tackle one passage at astrategies to maximize their SAT Exam Scores. It is a
time, and then move to the other.good idea to start with a SAT practice test before
2. Stuck at a question? Skip it. SAT test would notjumping on to an actual full-length SAT test. Finally,
appreciate your efforts put into a single question.SAT test preparation should be interesting, and not
3. Read the introduction to a passage (if given)some kind of donkey-work. Stay posted to learn more
carefullystrategies to deal with various sections of the New
4. Do not answer questions based on yourSAT.
assumptions. Always, use the information that is implied