By Laura Whitmore
Ready to improve your Digital SAT English score this year? What if I told you there are specific strategies, layout insights, and powerful tips awaiting you on this journey? Curious? Whether you're eyeing top scores or aiming for improvement, you're in the perfect spot.
As a parent, guiding your child through the SAT preparation journey can be as daunting for you as it is for them. This guide is designed to provide clear, actionable strategies for SAT success.
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Understand the Digital SAT English Modules
The digital SAT English section is split into two modules: the Baseline module and a second module that varies in difficulty based on performance in the Baseline. Each module has 27 questions, with a 32-minute time cap. For a target score above 600 in English, it's crucial that you don't miss more than 11 questions in the first module. Doing so may result in a simpler second module, which unfortunately offers fewer scoring opportunities.
Types of Questions on the Digital SAT English
The questions fall into four categories:
Craft and Structure: These questions test understanding of words in context and sentence function.
Information and Ideas: This category includes main idea questions and requires inference skills.
Standard English Conventions: Here, grammar and usage are tested.
Expression of Ideas: These questions focus on the effective use of transitions and structure.
Identifying which areas you find challenging and focusing on them can significantly boost your score.
Effective Preparation Strategies
Rather than quickly working through available practice tests, targeted practice on specific question types is more beneficial. For comprehensive and structured preparation, our Self-Paced Digital SAT English Course offers in-depth training and practice, helping you to improve in your weaker areas.
Discern Common Traps in Wrong Answers
Understanding the types of wrong answers typically presented in the SAT can enhance your accuracy. These include irrelevant options, overly broad or extreme answers, and choices that are partially correct. Learning to thoroughly analyze each option and seeking supporting evidence in the passage are key skills to develop.
Top SAT English Strategies
Read the Question First: This focuses your attention on what to look for in the passage.
Paraphrasing: Simplify sentences in your own words to better grasp their meaning.
Keywords and Phrases: Pay attention to words that indicate shifts in argument or tone.
Unusual Punctuation: Elements like semicolons often indicate crucial information.
Process of Elimination: Actively eliminate incorrect answers.
Time Management: Prioritizing certain question types can help efficiently allocate your time.
Bottom Line
When you're gearing up for the SAT yourself, remember that strategic, focused practice is key to success. As a parent, your support and understanding of the SAT's structure and demands can be a great morale booster for your child. Here's to achieving your SAT goals!
Happy prepping!
