Writing, Grammar, and CR

<p>For Writing, the majority of the points come from the MC grammar-based questions right? What book(s) is/are the best for grammar? Should I use specific SAT prep books or general grammar books? </p>

<p>The only way to get better at grammar is to learn the rules and apply them right? Not to mention, reading! So would it be wise to learn grammar rules now before school starts so I can apply these rules chronically to my writings for my classes? </p>

<p>As for CR, I know I just have to read so I can count on my English class for that. Also, when I'm reading, should I always keep in my mind the kind of questions that might be asked on the SAT? For example, the mood and tone of the author and whatnot. </p>

<p>For Writing, I guess if I build everything above and practice I will have it down. The main thing for this section, in my opinion, is pacing.</p>

<p>So, what do you guys think about my long-term plan for the school year on improving in the CR and Writing sections? Please admonish me of anything that you think needs to be modified or added. Thanks!</p>

<p>Should I review everything in the Blue Book? What I mean is the grammar concepts, mathematics, etc. that comes before the 8 practice tests. Should I review those or rely on some other prep book like barrons?</p>

<p>Ultimately, the best prep for Grammar is to do as many sample tests as possible and after every try, work out why any given answer was wrong and understand how the right one works--studying grammar out of context of the questions is less useful. For CR, reading a lot of challenging texts --fiction and non-fiction --would help, look up vocab words you don't know. But again, do lots and lots of practice tests and understand your mistakes. Same goes for Math. Your goal now is to learn the test and its peculiarities--not to learn the subject as such. (I am an English teacher. Helpful Hint: Check a dictionary: your use of "admonish" above is incorrect.)</p>

<p>Do lots of practice, once you actually find out how to do the problems. I think the blue book is fine for grammar (I don't remember, I haven't used it in a LONG time). </p>

<p>For reading I would also read newspapers and magazines, paying attention to tone and main idea and understanding. You should be able to understand what you're reading.</p>

<p>Well the Sparknotes SAT Writing MC book (the small books) have a nice section on the grammar rules. I think they are freely accessible online too. </p>

<p>You can always try Barrons Grammar Workbook which is what I have, but studying it once and leaving it wont help, like others said, you have to practice the questions themselves most of all.</p>

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Your goal now is to learn the test and its peculiarities--not to learn the subject as such. (I am an English teacher. Helpful Hint: Check a dictionary: your use of "admonish" above is incorrect.)

[/quote]
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<p>So basically, in order to get better scores on the SAT you need to practice the SAT and get familiar with the kind of problems it gives? </p>

<p>As for the word, admonish, how can I use it in the right way? One of its definitions is: To remind of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility.</p>

<p>I guess it doesn't fit exactly, but will using a word like that on the SAT cost me some points in the essay section? I have trouble with using new words in my prose because they don't seem to fit exactly. How can I improve on this? Thanks!</p>