<p>The first time I took the SAT was back in March. I prepared a bit and ended up getting a really low score with a 520 on CR. So then I decided to do some rigorous prep, especially in the reading department (my math and writing is fine). I did many many practice tests and memorized plenty of words. I took it again and June and ended up with a 540. Granted, my testing room did have some problems inlcuding many distractions, but still....</p>
<p>For the schools i'm looking at, I need something in the 600s. I'm probably going to take this again in Oct, but I just need help with CR....most specifically passage-based reading. I can do the vocab for the most part.</p>
<p>So anyway, what are some books and such that you recommend for boosting the passage portion of the CR section? I know there are many books with practice tests, and vocab lists, but I need something specifically designed to get my reading comprehension up. And don't say just to read, because I already do that. I need CR prep books.</p>
<p>Get all of the old CR sections you can find and do them in a timed environment. I think that is what helped me the most getting more score up. 570-->680
I know that is far from perfect....well 7 questions actually which I was bummed to hear cause i thought it would be a 700....BUT!
I did tons of sections and I always made sure I only used the amount of time given during the actual exam. I truly think pace is a huge factor in how well someone does. Also you need to find a good way to attack the questions. Some people are true believers in skimming and other say no you have to read the entire thing. Find what works for you then apply that method.</p>
<p>Why don't you start reading more? It's clear that you're not a very good reader and need to work on reading skills. It's hard to make up for many years of not reading very strongly in a short amount of time. As always, analyze what mistakes you're making and correct them. It seems like you're a poor reader and need to read more extensively.</p>
<p>CR owns me too. I find it very tough to master. Those who have innate ability to score high on CR have huge advantage, especially those who do the SAT well without preparing like hell :|</p>
<p>dcchow08: It's not like I don't read. I've been sort of a book worm ever since elementary school. Granted, I don't read as much anymore, but I still do read. Hell, I'm taking AP English next year. That must say something, right? I'm just not a very fast reader, and I always over-analyze the answers.</p>
<p>legend.dracula: I know what you mean. I have improved so much in the other two subjects, but this is the hardest to get better at.</p>
<p>Does anyone know of any good prep books that actually have CR reading sections for practice and answer explanations? Or should I just get a regular practice test book and do it all?</p>
<p>Read, and look up words that are unfamiliar, and write the words and the definitions down for review later. Review practice test mistakes. Remember that sometimes the answer will be more simple/straightforward so try not to analyze as much as you would like.</p>
<p>Do you guys think we should ANALYZE a little bit or just directly answer the question? I am very confused. When I did some practice tests, some questions required me to analyze and think to get the point, while others just need me to circle the answer without consideration ! </p>
<p>Do you guys think it depends on each kind of prep book or sth else? </p>
<p>Read the passage quickly (not so quickly you miss anything), but don't think too much about it. When you finish try to sum it up in a sentence or two at most. If you can do that you have got the general idea.</p>
<p>Then answer the questions, going back if necessary. Sometimes the questions will point out things you needed to have learned from the passage and it will just click.</p>
<p>One thing you can do is scan the questions, note all the line references and mark those lines with a star. Then when you read through pay particular attention to those areas.</p>
<p>megaChiKen, what are some examples? Usually you don't have to spend time analyzing the passage that much, if you read the passage and understand it. For example, a question that asks "Would the author be expected to agree with the following statement?" shouldn't be too difficult if you understand what the author's point of view is.</p>
<p>:/ yeah i have the same problem with you its my worst section by far, i got a 520 on my june one (first time taking) as well. I wanna boost it up to at least a 640~ lemme know what works/worked for you ^^</p>
<p>Don't let it own you! Read newspapers/hard essays. Do Barron's 2400, Blue Book, PR's Workout for Reading and Writing sections. You have to own it!</p>
<p>My situation is merely the same. I can narrow the choices to 2, but then I don't know how to eliminate the wrong one. I know the information is right on the passage but I don't know where to look for :|</p>