All or Nothing: Critical Reading

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Math and Writing are fine. But oh boy do I need HELP in CR. I have taken 25 practice tests and still can't get out of my 530-590 range. I NEED that 700+ in CR.</p>

<p>How I take it: 5 min vocab, 5 min for short readings, then 1min per question (so 6 questions = 6 min on that passage). Then 1min to cool down/check answers/emergencies. When I get to a passage, I look at questions with line numbers and circle/bracket those parts quickly. I read the passages by reading a whole line, not wasting anytime reading except for circled/brackets, and conclusion/introductory statement of the entire passage. </p>

<p>I can usually get it down to two answers, but I seem to ALWAYS pick the wrong one. </p>

<p>I have an average of getting 16 passage questions wrong and 2 vocab questions wrong. </p>

<p>What should I do? I am taking the March SAT. </p>

<p>What I am doing now/planning on doing: </p>

<p>I am doing a whole practice test every day during break (dec-21 thru jan-1) and spending 2 hours why I got each answer wrong. </p>

<p>Then during the school year, I'll take 3 whole practice tests each weekend, and during the weekdays I will spend 90 minutes on reading (vocab, checking over old passages, reading new passages super slow).</p>

<p>by March SAT I'll have ~60 practice tests done. Will this be good for getting a 700+ on critical reading? I don't want all my time to go to waste.</p>

2

<p>For me, the best way to work on critical reading passage-based questions is to critically analyse missed questions. For every missed question, read the explanations and try to really fully understand where the answer is coming form and WHY you missed it. After a while you start to realize your stupid mistakes. Everything in passage based sections is objective. There is a definite answer for every question. Also, reading the passages while pretending to be interested helps a ton. GOOD LUCK!</p>

3

<p>Also, try Direct Hits for Vocab. It is the best source imo. Sparknotes 1000 is good too.</p>

4

<p>alright cool, so I’m on the right track?</p>

5

<p>Reading is the hardest section to raise your score in.
Memorize 1000-2000 more vocab cards until you are missing 1-2 in all 3 sections combines.
And read as much classic books as you can. Even if you get through only 7 by March, It will help. I improved 200+ points for a 730.</p>

6

<p>Yeah man practice and reflection is all you need. Don’t stop after you start doing good though. You’re scores need to be consistent. I got a 760 in reading for one practice test and kind of blowed off more studying because I was overconfident. Then I went and got a 670 on the test. KEEP PRACTICING UNTIL TEST DAY lol. Good luck</p>

7

<p>okay thanks. I was just concerned. I took 5 practice tests so far and my reading has not gone up.</p>