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800 in SAT Reading sounds like too much? It is not. Ask any SAT expert and they will tell you that it’s doable with the right strategy and loads of hard work. If you manage to get these numbers in the reading and writing section you can dream of 1500+ in your SAT, a score range that is accepted by almost all the top colleges in the country.

So, how can you score high in the SAT Reading section? We asked our tutors and here’s what they said. Let’s start with the standard advice, that you will get from everyone and even our tutors agree with them. And then we will proceed to some key strategies (advice from our tutors) that are not commonly talked about.

Key Strategies for SAT Reading Section that can get you a High Score

Read Less, Understand More

SAT is a 65-minute test with 5 passages and 52 multiple-choice questions. This leaves you with 13 minutes for every passage and around 75 seconds for every question. This is very little time to read and re-read and understand the content in one go. The key is to develop the skimming and comprehension skills that can help you identify the important parts of a passage and understand it properly.

One method is to read the para thoroughly, mark everything you deem important and then approach the questions. Another good method is to skim through the paragraph, check the questions, and revisit the paragraph to find the answers.

Easy First, Tricky Later

Always start with the passages that you are sure of and use the same strategy for questions. This approach saves you both time and confidence. When you face a difficult passage or question, mark it and revisit it later. If you spend too much time on a difficult passage, you may run out of time even for the easy ones.

Eliminate the Wrong Options

When you are not sure of the right answer, eliminate the 3 wrong answers. It also helps to have an answer in your mind after you read the passage. Compare it with the answer options and then make a pick.

Take a Guess

If you have no idea how to answer a question, do not skip it. You should guess because SAT does not have a penalty for wrong answers. Make a calculated guess right when you are on the question. Do not leave it for later when you do not have time to think and your chances of making a wrong guess are higher.

Important SAT Reading Strategies that Nobody Talks About

Here are some important points that are often missed in discussions because they are not exactly strategies. Strategies or not, as you read these, you will realize that all of them are vital for getting the perfect score in the SAT reading section.

Types of Questions

Following are the different types of questions that you will encounter in SAT reading. Each type has a different aim and therefore, you have to approach them differently. With SAT Practice Tests, you will be able to build your reflexes for every type, and on exam day, all your hard work will help you quickly find the answer.

It is important to develop a strategy for every type of question otherwise you might easily get confused with the answer options and make a mistake.

1. Main Idea or Big Picture Questions – Ask yourself about the topic, and the purpose of the overall content.
2. Specific Detail Questions – Refer to a particular word/ phrase or a line in the passage.
3. Inference questions – Make you interpret the meaning of a line/ paragraph or the whole passage.
4. Effect of a Detail Questions – Ask you about how a phrase or a sentence works in the passage. In other words, the answer should show the effect of specific detail in the passage.
5. Perspective Questions – These questions focus on techniques such as tone, perspective, attitude, voice, or style of the author.
6. Vocabulary Questions – Ask you the meaning of a word usually used in a unique way.
7. Data Interpretation Questions – Are based on interpreting the data from graphs or charts.
8. Evidence Questions – Ask for evidence of the answer you have given.

Start your Prep Early On

It is common to assume that you can prep and crack SAT in just 3 months. This is a wrong notion because all it does is increase your stress levels and there is no guarantee you will get your target score. At eTutorWorld, we believe that you should start preparing for SAT in your Freshman or Sophomore year.

To perform well in the English reading section, you must develop good reading habits and have tremendous comprehension. And you cannot develop these skills in a short period. Spread out your preparation and give yourself an ample amount of time to ace the SAT. Polish your skills over the years and be consistent in your efforts.

Approach Every Paragraph with Confidence

Confidence is key to success in the SAT reading section and it comes only with practice. You must prepare hard for the exam and on D-day, approach every paragraph with confidence. Know in your mind that you know how to handle every type of passage and you have prepped hard for this day. Confidence in yourself will help you approach the questions from a different, positive perspective and you are sure to perform better.

Get Professional Help

SAT prep requires guidance from a professional. This test gets easy to crack when you are good at strategies and have several tips and tricks up your sleeve. And both the strategies and tricks part can come only from professionals who have several years of experience with SAT exams and understand the exam pattern.

So, even if you think you can tackle SAT on your own, try SAT prep help once. You will be surprised at the knowledge you incur and the speed of your progress.

If you dream of getting the perfect score of 800 in SAT reading, you must approach SAT prep with discipline. Other than following the above-listed points, you need to make a strict schedule that balances your school lessons along with the SAT prep. And of course, you need to put in a lot of hard work over the years to achieve your dream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You are done with SAT registration. What now? Where should you start reading? How do you prepare all the subjects? How will you achieve your target score? Should you join an online SAT tutoring class?

If these questions are overwhelming you, read on. In this write-up, we try to answer all of these and tell you how you can prepare for SAT test and achieve the perfect score that can get you into your favorite college.

How to Prepare for SAT?

1. Understand the Structure

Start preparing for SAT subject tests by understanding the structure of the test. Learn about the sections and the type of questions you will have to face. This one step will save you a lot of time on the test day. Further, take multiple mock tests once you have covered your syllabus so that you get mentally prepared to jump from one section to another and manage to answer questions with clarity.

2. Read a Lot

SAT test has a huge reading section that calls for acute comprehension skills. Therefore, while preparing for SAT, you must read a lot. Read fiction ad non-fiction books and try to master different writing styles so that you are not surprised out of your mind on the exam day.

3. Take a Class

If you find it hard to stick to a schedule and study alone, you must consider joining online SAT tutoring. Joining a class will help you in situations where you get stuck and need help from an experienced person. Online tutoring can be best for you if you prefer to learn at your own pace and clear your doubts in a one-on-one session.

4. Work on your Memory

SAT preparation, you will have to work on your memory, so that you can remember all the formulas, tables, and other important things. There are two ways of remembering things, one is to memorize formulas and two is to practice problems frequently so that the formulas get embedded in your mind.

5. Learn Mental Math

Calculators are not allowed in one of the math sections of SAT test. You will have to solve everything by hand, which will take a lot of time or you can learn a few mental math tricks and shortcuts so that you can quickly cross the section and save time for other sections.

6. Improve your Vocabulary

A good vocabulary can work wonders for your SAT score. Work on it by checking out the suggested reading list of the College Board. You can also make it a habit to underline the difficult words and sentences in whatever you read.

7. Study on the Go

SAT test prep needs continuous practice. You should consider taking up an online SAT tutoring course so that you can study from anywhere and at your own pace. Online classes also give you the luxury of taking a lesson again and again till the concept is clear to you. With your lessons and classes on your phone, you can study while commuting from one place to another and even at the dentist’s office.

8. Practice

Practice, practice, and practice. There is no other mantra for cracking SAT with good scores. You must practice all the topics multiple times to ensure that you remember spellings and formulas even while asleep. Further, you must SAT Practice Mock Tests so that you are thoroughly familiar with the sections.

FAQs

1. What should I read for SAT test practice?

Answer – Experts say that you must read a lot of non-fiction because SAT test is heavy on reading and on your test day, you will have to read five passages within an hour and answer questions based on them. 4 out of 5 passages on the SAT paper are non-fiction. The questions won’t trouble you but the reading part will test you. You need to prepare for the reading section by reading every day. You have to train your mind little by little to make sure that you do not run out of energy on the day you sit down to take your SAT.

2. Should I take mock tests every day?

Answer – Yes, once you have covered your syllabus, it will be good to take a mock test every day. Taking a mock test every day will prepare you for the format of the SAT and will improve your timing tremendously. Expert tutors believe that you can improve your SAT scores tremendously by getting used to the format and the fact that you will have to jump from one section to another during the test duration.

3. How many hours should I study for SAT?

Answer – When you decide to take the SAT, you must spend a majority of your time studying for it. If you have a few months before you take the test, you can give 2-3 hours a day to cover the syllabus on time and be ready. If your SAT test is just one month away, experts recommend that you have to give 10 hours a week to be completely ready, on time.

4. Can I get a good score with one month of SAT test prep?

Answer – Yes, you can get a good SAT score with just one month of preparation. In this one month, you will have to study hard and if possible, get help from the best SAT tutors online or offline. According to experts, you must study for at least 10-20 hours a week to prepare for SAT in just one month. Some tutors also believe that as the SAT day approaches, you must spend all your time studying and preparing for the test.

5. Can online Tutoring help me do well in SAT test?

Answer – Online SAT tutoring is an effective method of preparing for SATs. They offer clear preparation along with a structured curriculum. When you register for SAT online tutoring, you receive a well-designed curriculum with top-class resources and lessons from some of the most experienced subject matter experts (SMEs). Apart from covering the syllabus, online tutoring can also help you identify your weak areas and enable you to work extra on them to prepare well for SAT. With online tutoring, you can also set a learning pace that suits you and make the most of your preparation time.

While the college admissions process has changed through the years and decades, plenty of schools still look at a student’s SAT score when deciding whether or not to accept the individual. As a result, parents and students alike are often in search of resources to help learners reach their highest potential when it comes to the SAT. Knowing what criteria to look for when it comes to SAT test prep is quite valuable.

Specialized Tutoring

Tutoring for the SAT is different from tutoring for a general English or mathematics course. Of course, some similarities exist, but the SAT is its own type of test. Students taking the exam need to know strategies specific to the SAT. Approaching the questions on this exam requires specific techniques. As a result, you don’t want to hire a general tutor. You have to hire a tutor who specializes in tutoring for this exam.

Virtual Options

Don’t discount virtual options for SAT tutoring, particularly in a time when distance learning has become so much more popular. Opting for virtual tutoring, for example, can open up the possibility of working with a proficient tutor who lives in another part of the country. If you decide to choose this path, make sure that the sessions are live. Asynchronous tutoring for the SAT can get confusing for the student.

Practice Exams

You absolutely must make sure that the preparation program is going to include the taking of an SAT practice test. Having a starting point is quite important. A practice test can reveal so much information that is crucial to the tutoring sessions. For example, you might learn that you need to do much more practice with the reading questions than with the math questions. You may also see that you are consistently getting a certain type of question incorrect. Then, the tutor can help you with strategies specific to these types of questions.

Individual Tutoring

Group tutoring can work for the SAT, but individual tutoring has some serious additional benefits. In a group setting, students can learn from their peers; however, learners may not get specific guidance about the types of questions that they struggle with. You might want to consider a class in addition to the individual tutoring, but do make sure that one-on-one tutoring is a part of the plan.

Multiple Sessions

When your score is close to your goal score, you might think that one review session or tutoring session will be enough to get you to your target. Even if your scores are on the lower end, you may still believe that you simply need to work with a tutor one time. Keep in mind that the SAT is about practice. On the SAT test, you have to know how to recognize different types of questions. Learning the types of questions to expect is a skill that takes more than one class or meeting to build. Enroll in a program that lasts for a period of time. Doing so will also help to build your confidence; you’ll see your own improvements along the way.

When you want to get a top score on the SAT, you’ll likely need some tutoring or classes in order to achieve your goal. Knowing what to look for in these programs is an important part of making the right decision.

It is advantageous to put your heart and soul into SAT preparations.

Some of the reasons to plunge into the competitive arena of taking the SAT test are:

1. Colleges need SAT test scores. Many colleges do not conduct tests independently for students seeking admission to these colleges. They rely on scores as a criterion for admissions. The good news is that students can better their admission chances in their dream universities by securing high SAT scores after thorough SAT tutoring from organizations like eTutorWorld. These organizations are earning testimonials as reward points from satisfied and happy parents.

2. To know where you stand vis a vis your peers and competitors.

3. To know your own strengths and weaknesses. The scores would help you plan more time in strengthening your weak areas.

4. As a test run so that you can score better in subsequent tests with more intensive runs of SAT practice tests.

5. Get an identity when schooling and curriculum was based in countries other than America: Many international students and American students studying abroad who aspire to continue their studies in America must take the SAT test. Their school syllabus might have been in variance in what is being taught in the US. Hence taking the test gives them a score indicative of their skills in English and math. This score is easier to interpret and can be quoted while applying to American schools and universities. Some of these students make most of the opportunity after adequate SAT preparation

6. As an opportunity for students to join mainstream especially those who have followed home schooling and other forms of schooling. They may have opted for SAT prep courses to join the mainstream by taking the SAT test.

7. Fees and other expenditure of education rises with each grade. Many students can minimize this pressure by availing the opportunity of scholarships and sponsored education programs awarded to deserving candidates with a high SAT score. SAT test prep serves as a stepping stone to improve your skills with a better performance in these tests.

8. Many organizations require job aspirants to quote their SAT scores. Job seekers with higher scores make them more eligible against others with similar skill sets. This is irrespective of whether the SAT scores were achieved through SAT tutoring or none at all.

9. Those students who are blessed to excel in Math do well in SAT and can use it to their advantage as compared to other tests that focus more on other streams of academics.

10. Utilizing the pressure to perform to have faster learning: As SAT dates appear closer, pressure builds up. Under this stress, students have an intrinsic motivation to perform thus they prepare harder, focus more, prioritize their tasks and put in their best in the last mile towards SAT test prep. Hence it is better to enroll for the test rather than sit passive and do nothing at all.

Looking for latest SAT practice tests? Go no further and log on to www.etutorworld.com to discover a whole new world of fast paced learning and preparation for standardized tests like SAT, CogAT and more!

SAT or the Scholastic Assessment Test is developed, administered and managed by the College Board. It is conducted for admissions to undergraduate programs in various colleges of USA and other parts of the world. The SAT is highly popularity and  has gained ground in many countries. Many universities are now accepting SAT scores to evaluate students’ academic achievements. There is an increased level of awareness amongst parents and students. Most students assess themselves using the SAT practice tests that are available for free over the internet.

It is a highly competitive world and the principle of survival of the fittest has always worked. Darwin’s theory of evolution may just be a theory, but the fact is that the human brain is continuously evolving and gaining knowledge. Discoveries and inventions are happening. The key is to hone your skills and absorb maximum knowledge that schools offer in their academic curriculum. SAT practice test and other standardized tests encompass all educative material that schools offer. Parents sometimes wonder, How will Algebra help my 9th Grader ace the SAT?

Math is an essential element of the SAT, the others being Reading, Writing and Language. Its math questions are based on what students have learnt at school in each grade, like 9th grade math covers topics like arithmetic, geometry, algebra, statistic, data interpretation from tables and graphs, probability and so on. All these sections require different skills like quick calculations, analysis and interpretation and problem solving. A student’s perfection in one and a total weakness in the other would grossly affect the scores in these tests as SAT math will have questions from all sections of the syllabus with career options for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The syllabus prescribed for 9th grade math is in line with these, preparing students for higher grades.

Math requires regular practice all round the year as cramming is of little use. Even though, by 9^th grade, most students find algebra interesting, they need help in understanding concepts to deal with variables, graphs and equations. Application of algebra to geometry problems on areas and volume concepts can be tricky! Like it or not, algebra is an essential element of Math and hence every Math exam would definitely have enough algebra questions. Online algebra help from a live tutor helps provide detailed solutions to complex algebra problems and concepts resulting in the students’ aced performance.

Algebra topics included in SAT math are Linear equations, linear inequalities, quadratic equations, solving algebraic expressions, Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication of Polynomials, factoring trinomials amongst other related concepts. Failure to understand any of these or weakness in the subject will affect the overall SAT score which may affect the chances of getting admission in your dream university, or lose out on a scholarship program by just a few points. It may show up poorly on your resume as you apply for jobs. Moreover, when you are aspiring for good grades and working hard for it then why let a gray area in geometry or other subject mar your chances of high grades?

Help is just a mouse click away! eTutorWorld offers online algebra help as well as tutoring as a solution to prepare students in Math, Science and English to help them be on top of their class and ace tests like SAT with ease. For students seeking help in individual topics like 9^th grade Algebra, Geometry or 10th grade English can practice with comprehensive free worksheets and SAT practice tests or to enroll for LIVE online tutoring programs for all round development of the student.