<p>Is Barron's (large book) reliable for writing multiple choice?</p>
<p>I have taken all the Blue Book tests (minus 1) and QAS writing tests and generally get 34/35 on the 25 minute writing section and 14/14 on the 10 minute section, finishing each in about half the time. I always check until there are only a few minutes left, but generally still miss one in the 25 min section.</p>
<p>So I turned to Barron's for more, and upon completing the diagnostic 25 minute writing section in just under 20 minutes, I got 28/35 right. Should I keep working in this book?</p>
<p>Some missed questions...</p>
<p>4) John was (imminently qualified for the position because he had studied computer programming and how to operate an IBM machine).</p>
<p>My choice: (Correct as is)
Correct answer: (eminently qualified for the position because he had studied computer programming and the operation of an IBM machine)</p>
<p>10) Having revised her dissertation with some care, (that her thesis advisor rejected the changes distressed her greatly).</p>
<p>My choice: (she was greatly distressed about her thesis advisor rejecting the changes).
Correct answer: (she found her thesis advisor's rejection of the changes greatly distressing).
I now realize the gerund error in my choice.</p>
<p>21) The same laser technology that (is being used) on compact discs (is) also (under application) to computers (to achieve) additional memory. (NE)</p>
<p>So, where do I turn to next? I have exhausted QAS (only writing) and have only 1 BB writing left to take the weekend before the SAT. I would love an 800 W.</p>
<p>As someone with a 800 W, I think that the questions you’ve posted are fairly easy, but anyway … </p>
<p>4) Diction error. This one should have been fairly easy to spot.
10) This one is a little harder: you have to know that you must use a possessive with a gerund.
21) This one should have been fairly easy. I think that “Under application” lacks a subject. Don’t cite me on naming grammar rules - I only know how to spot grammar errors :o! </p>
<p>I think that the Barron’s writing questions are OK at best; I don’t like how some of the questions test irrelevant topics such as “who vs. whom,” among other things. I don’t really know of an accurate writing book either, so perhaps the Barron’s book is fine for extra practice. </p>
<p>If you are getting 34/35 in half the time on the BB and QASs, then you should be set. However, are you finishing in half the time and going back to check? Even though I breezed through writing sections at home, in the testing center, it was different - I needed every minute to finish the section. </p>
<p>I got a 10 on my January essay, and ended up with a 760. Not sure what my MC subscore was.</p>
<p>I generally finish the writing sections in 13-14 minutes on the 25 minute sections, and go back and read all of the questions with my answer choices to ensure that they sound correct. I pay special attention to the questions for which I choose NE. I look over the questions until the 25 minutes are up. When I check, I usually miss one extremely dumb error. =( Any tips to reduce these?</p>
<p>Also, I never miss questions on the 14-question section, I usually finish around 8 minutes with 2 to check. I often think one of them is a bit tricky though.</p>
<p>The most important thing now is making sure I can get 35/35 on the other section so as not to lose 20+ points for something dumb.</p>
<p>Thanks and congrats, or [good job, bro], on the 760.</p>
<p>Oh well. Looking at my performance today on the writing sections from 9 different official tests, my scores have been increasing. (Catch the error in that sentence?*)</p>
<p>800s on 5 out of the past 6, assuming a 10 essay again. 4 of the 6 were perfect MC subscores.</p>
<p>I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to take as many practice sections as you can. Only save a few BB tests to be taken all at once. Break them up into three few-day-long sessions devoted each to math, writing, and reading.</p>
<ul>
<li>Looking at my performance today on the writing sections from 9 different official tests, <em>I/one can see that</em> my scores have been increasing.</li>
</ul>