By Laura Whitmore
Are you gearing up for the digital SAT and feeling a bit overwhelmed by those notorious English questions? You've landed in just the right spot. It's important to understand that the SAT English test is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It's also about critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and interpret different types of texts. Focus on three types of English questions that often give students the most trouble: graph questions, inference questions, and words in context questions.
Graph Questions: These questions can seem daunting at first glance, but they don't have to be. Here's the game plan:
Read the Question First: This sounds basic, but it's a game-changer. By reading the question first, you know exactly what you're looking for, saving you precious time.
Skip the Fluff: Those lengthy paragraphs under the graphs? Often, they're just filler. Focus on the essentials – usually, the last sentence or two where the real meat is.
Process of Elimination: This is your best friend. Go through each answer choice methodically, eliminating the ones that don't fit. More often than not, you don't even need to scrutinize the graph!
Words in Context Questions: Vocabulary can be tricky, but it's totally manageable. Here's how:
Positive or Negative: Get the gist of the text. Does it have a positive or negative vibe? Your answer should match this tone.
Linguistics 101: Break down the words. Understanding the roots, prefixes, and suffixes can often lead you to the right answer, even if you're not familiar with the word.
Hunt for Clues: The SAT loves to sprinkle synonyms or definitions right in the text. Keep an eye out for these hidden gems!
Inference Questions: Inference questions, or logically completes the text questions, can be the most challenging. But, with a little strategy, they're totally doable:
Paraphrase Each Sentence: Take it one sentence at a time. After reading each one, paraphrase it in your own words. This keeps you engaged and ensures you're really digesting the material.
Structure is Key: Pay attention to how the passage is structured. Noting this can help you keep track of the argument or narrative.
Eliminate, Eliminate, Eliminate: As with graph questions, elimination is your ally. Narrow down your choices until the right answer emerges.
Extra Resources for SAT Success
For those of you looking for more structured preparation, our Self-Paced Digital SAT English Course is a fantastic resource. It's packed with detailed lessons and practice exercises designed to help you excel in the English section.
Bottom Line
Some simple yet effective strategies can help you ace those English questions on the digital SAT. Practice is key, so keep working on those practice tests, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
Happy prepping!
