<p>Critical reading is my lowest score on the SAT (540). I got 790 on math and 740 on writing, but 540 on critical reading. I'm not the best at it obviously. What is the best prep book for tips with the critical reading and how do you recommend I get it up to at least 700 by October/November? I am dedicated and going to work all summer. Also, what is the best thing to do for vocab? Thanks</p>
<p>I second this. I am in a similar situation with CR.</p>
<p>Same here would like to know</p>
<p>I know a big part of Critical Reading is knowing a lot of vocabulary, so I would recommend “300 essential words” or “direct hits: vocab”</p>
<p>But it is my understanding that not all of the critical reading is about vocab. Its also about passage reading & strucure/funtion of sentences. For these two areas, I don’t know what books to recommend for that</p>
<p>The best prep book is good, difficult literature. Read as much as you can. Additionally, you can check out articles from the WSJ and NYT on a daily basis to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary. For quick prep, pick up Direct Hits for vocab and Grammatix for CR (you can find a PDF online without much effort). It might not make up for a deficit in acquired ability from years of reading, though.</p>
<p>I actually read quite a bit and enjoy it. I don’t know why I did so poorly on the critical reading, but it’s just not my strong point. Math is definitely my strong point. Recommend any good, difficult literature?</p>
<p>The collegeboard blue SAT book for practice tests. For vocab, Barron’s “Hot Words for the SAT”. For strategy in reading comprehension, “Barron’s SAT 2400: Aiming for the Perfect Score”. I attribute my 800 in CR to these three holy grail books.</p>
<p>@phloppy95</p>
<p>Can you also say what your initial score was? Also, how long it took you to get to an 800?</p>
<p>@ShutUpUPlay2Much On the March SAT (my first in high school), I got a 690 in CR. This score was after quite a bit of preparation (6 hrs a week with a tutor, multiple other books, etc for about 2-3 months). I think I got a 71 on the PSAT (I think this score was just a fluke). I started preparing for the June SAT in early April. Then, I reread the Barron’s Aiming for a Perfect Score and Hot Words books in late May.</p>
<p>Where can we find the Grammatix book for CR? I see the Direct hits Vocab but not grammatix.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>