<p>I took the PSAT and got a 58 in reading and a 580 on the SAT. Since then, my scores have been around 600-630 and they are not improving. I keep practicing but for some reason the score is the same. On passages where I can concentrate I usually never miss a question or maybe one, but this is balanced to other passages where I can't concentrate and miss a little less than half the questions. Is there anything I can do better to improve? What is the best way or best book to use to practice in general and just improve my total reading score? Thanks.</p>
<p>Learning words and reading can help some, but the best thing to do is just practice. You can get a big book of practice tests. Do a section, and then look at each question you got wrong and find out exactly why.</p>
<p>You have hit your mark. Sorry to sound harsh. You are probably not a good test taker, there is no cure for that.</p>
<p>Btw I was not a good test taker when it came to the SAT’s. But I don’t care anymore because am already in college.:)</p>
<p>Improve your vocabulary.Read some extra material such as magazines and newpapers, they will help you a lot.Go to the library and read books due to the fact on SAT reading you have to deal with them.</p>
<p>Good luck!;)</p>
<p>^ There is no “mark” on the SAT.</p>
<p>Buy the Direct hits 2010 Edition Core and Hard books for vocab and use the Collegeboard Book 2nd edition for practice tests.</p>
<p>^^^I never said there was a mark in the SAT but their is a score range. Its obvious he or she has hit a roadblock. Wouldn’t you call that a mark???</p>
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What “big book” is good for practice?</p>
<p>Nevermind the ‘mark’ or w/e mentioned above. I used to have the same problem. My PSAT score on my sophmore was 43 (go fob! lol). My score range improved to 550~600, and I was stuck there for a long time just like you are. With thousands of vocabs memorized and having solved tons of CR practice questions, I am hitting 700’s now.</p>
<p>As for my recommendation, read Times or other similar magazines, a lot of books (avoid HP-like books for better efficiency), and published essays. For vocab lists, memorize Direct Hits, Barron’s, and Word Smart (more the merrier).</p>
<p>The test can be studied for if approached in the correct manner. I am speaking from my own current experience.</p>
<p>To be quite honest the biggest think that ever helped me is knowing there must be only one right answer. And there must be a reason why everything else is wrong. Just do a lot of practice, and trust me, you will improve.</p>
<p>I know this awesome CR strategy that helped me for the final push towards that 800 (scored a 700 in January; later, after finding out about this method, I didn’t miss a single question for 2 out of the 3 Blue Book practice tests I took, and only 1 mistake for the 3rd). I’m definitely using it when I retake my SAT in June. PM’ing it to you now! :)</p>
<p>Dang fledgling, that strategy did wonders for you. I must say that I’ve come a long way since I started in the 500’s (currently low 700’s). However, the improvement was slow and came with much practice as I am naturally an abysmal reader.</p>
<p>Why not post it? :)</p>
<p>^ cornetking222, I believe I PM’ed you too. Did it help for you?</p>
<p>Um, I suppose it would be faster if I just posted it, but I want to retake the SAT and actually have my official score before I go about posting threads and saying, “Hey guys, look at this awesome new strategy!” Sort of helps validate my claims, you know?</p>
<p>In a way it did. I use an eclectic strategy though, as I usually see what the questions comprise of. If most of them are line reference questions, screw reading the passage!</p>