15 Must-Know Tips to Boost Your SAT English Score Up to 700
Scoring a perfect 700 on the SAT English section can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and consistent practice, it's entirely achievable. Here are 15 crucial tips that will significantly boost your SAT English performance and help you reach that perfect score.
Reading Section
1. Learn the Art of Skimming
When reading through passages, it's vital to read with purpose. Skim through the text to get a general idea of its content. This technique ensures that you don't miss any crucial details and helps you understand the overall structure of the passage.
2. Be an Active Reader
Reading passively will not be sufficient. Engage with the text by asking yourself questions. What is the main point of the passage? What is the author's purpose? How does each paragraph contribute to the overall theme? By actively reading, you can uncover the vital ideas and themes more easily.
3. Do Not Ignore Context Clues
Context clues are keywords or phrases that provide hints about the meaning of unfamiliar words or concepts. Relying on these clues can help you relate to the information in the passage more effectively and eliminate incorrect answer options rapidly.
4. Map the Passage: Don’t Memorize
Create a roadmap for yourself by jotting down key notes. This will serve as a reference when looking for answers. By having a roadmap, you avoid losing track of the passage's content and structure.
5. Stop Overthinking
Avoid reading between the lines for every question. Understand each question's demand and approach it accordingly. Overthinking can lead to unnecessary confusion and incorrect answers.
6. Apply the Specific-General Strategy
Complete specific and easier questions first, then move on to broader and more time-consuming questions. This strategy maximizes your chances of correctly answering more questions within the given time limit.
Writing and Language Section
7. Know the SAT Grammar Rules
Thoroughly study all the grammar rules tested on the SAT. Being well-prepared with these rules will significantly improve your performance in the Writing and Language section.
8. Avoid Overlooking the Questions
Rhetorical and expression of ideas questions require careful attention. Focus on the details and understand what is being asked. Remember, the correct answer often lies within the given passage.
9. Stay on Topic
In response to rhetorical skill questions, ensure that your answer is consistent with the passage's context. Any information that disrupts or blurs the focus is incorrect. Pay attention to context, transitions, and avoid isolated reading.
10. Pick the Concise Choice
Consider all four options, including "No Change." If you're stuck between two choices, choose the more concise option as it is generally better. In most cases, a shorter answer is the correct one.
General Techniques
11. Predict Your Answers
Always try to predict your answer before looking at the options. This practice increases your confidence and speeds up the selection process, making the whole answer choosing smoother and quicker.
12. Use the Process of Elimination
Employ the method of elimination to eliminate incorrect options more efficiently. This technique leaves you with the correct answer, making the process of selecting choices easier.
13. Manage Your Time
The SAT subjects time management to a great extent. Practice under timed conditions to ensure you can complete all sections within the allotted time. Aim to spend about 12 minutes per passage and use the remaining 5 minutes to review your work.
14. Create an Error Log
Track your errors and understand the patterns. This log should help you identify and correct recurring mistakes. Consistently monitoring your errors will gradually improve your performance.
15. Practice Consistently
Consistent practice is the best way to achieve a high score. Learn something new from every practice session and be consistent with your preparation. Consistency in your practice will make the learning process faster and more effective.
By following these strategies and consistently practicing, you can significantly boost your SAT English score. All the best in your test preparation!