Improving reading and writing for the SAT's?

[jj2005]

Im curious about what I can do to improve my reading skills and writing skills for the SAT's. I have it in June, so hopefully I can do some preparation to become good at it. Thanks

[Etienne]

Read and write.

[JBI]

Pick up an anthology of contemporary essays and study.

[Dori]

You could write practice essays from previous SATs. You can find a few prompts to get you started here: SAT Essay Prompts Mar '05 - Jan '08. (http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/sat-test-prep.html) You have to scroll down a bit, but you'll find them sure enough.

These might also help: SAT Study Tips: Writing Section (http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/sat-tips-writing.html) and SAT Study Tips: Critical Reading Section. (http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/sat-tips-critical-reading.html)

Some of it should be common sense, but I've found these links to be helpful. I'm also taking the SAT, but in March. :)

[kratsayra]

I'd go with Dori's advice. The best thing to do is take practice tests and do practice questions. It's been so long I can't remember which books are better than others, but there are some good practice books out there.

The SAT's and other exams of that sort have as much to do with knowing how to take the test as they have to do with actually being able to read and write (and do math).

Good luck to both jj and Dori!

EDIT: Wow the SAT has changed a lot since I took it in, um, 1999. There's no more "verbal" section as such?! No more analogies?! Craziness . . . :p

[Il Penseroso]

With the essays that you write for practice, I would recommend recruiting someone whom you trust (perhaps a school instructor) to look them over to go over their impressions with you, so that you build up a greater understanding of an audience's reaction to what you may write. Otherwise, the above suggestions should prove rewarding.

[Homyrrh]

Look jj, here's a philosophy I used and got a 12/12 essay (well improved from my 8/12) on my 10/2007 test:

THINK LIKE AN OLD WHITE MAN. Laugh or accept it, but who's the elderly, proud, old-world proofread/grader who will be evaluating you? Signs point to an old white dude from some small college or another.

Remember, the best writing doesn't necessarily warrant the best grades. Rather, showcasing an elaborate, eloquent, and altogether applicable vocabulary is a MUST. Incorporate this into some "lengthy" sentences (interpret accordingly). Also, be sure to utilize any appropriate, fitting examples you have from both your personal experiences and from the characters you read and have watched (the former would be more beneficial...after all, the OWM are more impressed by a scholar, faux or not).

To conclude, keep in my mind the essays are personal. They include topics that will ask for your opinion on something; sinewhat of a persuasive, though it is more a place to support a position with aforementioned examples.

I can send you a copy of my essay if need be; they post an actual copy with your score report online.

[Dori]

Look jj, here's a philosophy I used and got a 12/12 essay (well improved from my 8/12) on my 10/2007 test:

THINK LIKE AN OLD WHITE MAN. Laugh or accept it, but who's the elderly, proud, old-world proofread/grader who will be evaluating you? Signs point to an old white dude from some small college or another.

Remember, the best writing doesn't necessarily warrant the best grades. Rather, showcasing an elaborate, eloquent, and altogether applicable vocabulary is a MUST. Incorporate this into some "lengthy" sentences (interpret accordingly). Also, be sure to utilize any appropriate, fitting examples you have from both your personal experiences and from the characters you read and have watched (the former would be more beneficial...after all, the OWM are more impressed by a scholar, faux or not).

To conclude, keep in my mind the essays are personal. They include topics that will ask for your opinion on something; sinewhat of a persuasive, though it is more a place to support a position with aforementioned examples.

I can send you a copy of my essay if need be; they post an actual copy with your score report online.

I would love to see a copy of your essay, Homyrrh. :)