Need Help On SAT

Test Preparation
1

So I’ve been taking some tests offered by a private tutoring firm. My score fluctuates, from 2050 to 2300 in the past couple of tests.

I realized that I have always gotten stuff wrong on vocab and writing multiple choice. I memorized Direct Hits 1&2, and the Insider’s Guide 500 Most Common Words.

Some say that my tests are harder/more obscure as I don’t even know half the vocab on the sentence completion questions. I see one correct answer, I pick it and I’m right, but I have no idea what the other 3-4 choices even mean.
I usually always have 1-2 unsure vocab questions per section.

Any tips on vocab/grammar? I have a lot of trouble with Identifying sentence errors and the occasional Improve Paragraph question “After which line should the author begin a new paragraph”

I am taking the test in March.

Thanks so much for all your help. I appreciate all your advice greatly.

2

@rdeng2614‌

Just make sure those tests are official SAT tests. If not use the Official SAT study guide, at least to start.

As far as the books you can add this book to your list: The Insider’s Essential Guide to SAT Critical Reading and Vocabulary
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0985291222/st06202-20

Improving vocabulary is tough in the short term. My long time favorite is Norman Lewis’s Word Power Made Easy but you should use this with an eye on improving your vocabulary for the rest of your life. I credit this book for a lot of my own success with words. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/110187385X/st06202-20

3

Thanks for all your help! I get what you mean about the short term thing, but I really just need to memorize level 5 type words. I usually only miss level 5 difficulty questions as I know most of the other words (I memorized the Direct Hits 1&2 and the Insider’s Essentials 500 Words). Will the Norman Lewis help with Level 5 Words as right now, I am essentially memorizing words for the SAT. I might pick it up later to improve my vocabulary as an English student, but does that book contain words that appear on the SAT?

Any tips on SAT Grammar?

Thanks!

4

Also what’s the difference between the Insider’s Guide to Critical Reading and Vocabulary and the Insider’s Guide to SAT Vocabulary 500 Words?

Thanks

5

Bump! Thanks for everyone’s advice.