<p>Hey, so I just took a practice PSAT, and I realized that my most difficult sections are critical reading and writing
So here are some of the questions I have:
1) Does reading outside of school actually help on any of these sections? Fiction, non-fiction? I read news articles a lot, so does that help more than fiction pieces?
2) Any first-hand testimonials on how you improved either one of these scores?
3) I had an adequate score on the writing section, which bewilders me. I am constantly praised for my grammar and use of the English language, and was essentially converted into a Grammar Nazi by my parents, and I still got in the 60s. Has this happened to anyone, and if so- how did you overcome it?
4) I have Princeton Review SAT and PSAT, College Board SAT, and Kaplan PSAT strategies. Are there any other book recommendations? (I'm not planning on using Barron's, I had a horrible experience with it for a subject test which derailed a lot of my self-confidence).
I am a rising junior, and I really want the semi-finalist accomplishment, and my SAT I believe is in March.
Many thanks in advance!</p>
<p>1) Probably doesn’t hurt. But, it is not as effective as practice.</p>
<p>2) I improved Writing like 150 points by just brushing up on some grammar rules - Sparknotes Seven deadly sins. <— Search for it on google.</p>
<p>3) Yes. My school is crazy about grammar; pretty much every grammar mistake on the SAT Writing was drilled into us before the end of Freshman year. But taking my first practice test at the end of my sophomore year, I got a 560. All I did to improve was look over my mistakes, and realize how stupid they were. So I reviewed the kinds of grammar mistakes I was making (e.g. Misplaced modifier/Illogical comparison) and just fixed it. A week later, I **** you not, I was getting 700+.</p>
<p>So look back at the practice test and see what KINDS of errors you are getting wrong. And find out how to fix it!</p>
<p>4) Use the blue book, definitely. To improve vocabulary: Direct hits 1 & 2 or The Essential 500 Words.</p>
<p>Use any of your practice books to practice writing, but I’d only practice reading with the blue book.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! By “Blue Book” do you mean the Collegeboard’s book or another company?</p>
<p>Yep. Blue Book = Official College Board Book.</p>
<p>I agree with Lipp7260, Essential 500 all day. It had far more actual “hits” on the June 2013 SAT that DH itself</p>