<p>I know their are threads that give laid-out tips for dealing with the Critical Reading section of the SAT, but I wanted to know what tips/strategies worked for you to deal with the vocab and short/long passage comprehension questions?</p>
<p>I especially am curious about the passage questions, because for me, it is very difficult to quickly finish the passage (while understanding everything), and being able to discern between 2 answer choices ( I generally can eliminate 3).</p>
<p>Thanks!!!</p>
<p>I’m right there with you on the passages. I’m curious too. I can maybe help with vocabulary though. I use mnemonics. It is basically a phrase or image I associate with the word. Example: cursory. It means “to the point.” I think, “people who curse get right to the point.” Hope that helps!</p>
<p>For the long passages, try skipping right to the questions with line numbers first (don’t even bother skimming). Usually you can answer those without reading the entire passage, and by the time you’ve answered all of the line number questions, you’ve usually read enough of the passage that you’ll be able to answer the rest of the questions. I’ve found that it usually works well for people who have trouble reading a passage within the specified time limits. I’d try it on a practice test and see how it works for you.</p>
<p>Don’t zone out while reading the passages. The best way to do that is by going through the Blue Book and doing untimed practice, attempting to get every question correct. If you don’t know how to answer a question, look at the answer and try working backwards. Ask yourself: Why is this the correct answer and why aren’t the others? This will allow you to practice a lot, while also familiarizing you with the mentality of the College Board (the types of passages they use, the types of answers that you should choose, etc.). Once you master accuracy, go back to timed practice. Your score should improve. </p>
<p>For vocab, try Quizlet, a book like SAT Vocab cartoons or Direct Hits, or an app like Mindsnacks (Apple App store) or Test Your English Vocabulary (Android Google Play store). I also used Number2.com and it helped quite a bit.</p>
<p>What ways do you guys use to choose between 2 very close answers quickly (due to the 25 minute time limit) for the passage questions?</p>
<p>Here’s how i do it… I quickly read and understand the main point of the passage by making a little summary in my head. If there are any long descriptions i just quickly take a look and pass them. By summary i mean something like this btw “Okay so the narrator is from India and she moved to the US. She really likes it there but misses her home and she shows it by cooking Indian food all the time. Sanjab initially liked the food but their relationship is a bit strained now” Then boom, one of the questions is definitely gonna be like “her relationship with sanjab can best be described as…” strained!</p>
<p>Also i don’t think cursory means to the point it means kinda hasty and therefore not to the point at all</p>