Avoid These Mistakes: Expert Tips for Practicing SAT Reading & Writing Questions

When Digital SAT started it created a lot of buzz and many new promises were made that the exam will shorter and easier for the students of the current generation. But when you gear up for your SAT prep, you realize that it is still a struggle to get the grasp on this format of exam, especially tackling the SAT Reading and Writing section can feel like navigating a tricky maze. You may have started solving questions, which is great! But are you truly getting the results you were hoping for or are you falling for the very obvious traps? Don’t worry, you are not alone. With expert guidance and insights, you can smoothly dodge these traps. Consider this blog to be your personal SAT coaching guide, where we highlight some common mistakes and ways to mitigate them, which in turn, sharpen your practice and help you master the SAT Reading & Writing questions.

The Pitfalls of Passive Reading: Are you just checking the boxes?

Many of us believe that we need to practice a lot of content to excel in SAT and so we just solve the questions, check answers, and move on to solving other SAT reading & writing questions without actually understanding where we are really going wrong. This is called ‘passive reading and practicing,’ and it’s a major roadblock in your SAT exam preparation journey.

1. Skimming the text and question stem-

   Image, you saw a lengthy text or a question with dual texts and you thought I have to read it quickly. Then you just rushed through it and the question stem and marked the option that has words same as in the text.

   Let’s understand this scenario with an example, there is a question asking you to find out the purpose of writing an underlined portion in the text, that portion consists of words like ‘ancient artifacts.’

   If you skimmed the passage, you might latch onto words like “ancient” and “artifacts” and picked an answer that seems related. However, a careful reading of the surrounding sentences might reveal that the author is actually using these artifacts to support a broader point about cultural continuity, which might make another option the correct answer.

   Our advice – Resist the rush! Dedicate sufficient time to understand the main idea and supporting details in each reading-based question before tackling the options. Highlight key information, understand the connections between different parts of the text. For SAT reading questions, focus on understanding of the language and the author’s intent. Keep in mind, the SAT values close reading and well-reasoned analysis.

2. Prioritizing the answer over understanding:

   Another frequent error is viewing practice questions or mock tests as only a way to reach the right answer. Accuracy matters, but true progress and learning comes when you examine and understand where you went wrong.

   Question:

   Based on the texts, what is the difference between the text 1 and text 2?

   (A) Text1 introduces a problem, while Text 2 proposes a solution.

   (B) Text 1 presents a general theory, while Text 2 offers specific examples.

   (C) Text 1 describes a historical event, while Text 2 analyses its long-term consequences.

   (D) Text 1 makes a claim, while Text 2 rejects the claim stated in text 1.

   Let’s say you marked a wrong answer and the correct answer was (A). If you simply note the correct answer and move on, you’ve missed a valuable opportunity to learn.

   Our advice: Try to find out the reason for right and wrong options. After every test, sit down and analyse, take the time to understand why the correct answer is correct and why the other options are incorrect. Did you overlook a crucial detail in the passage? Did you misunderstand the question stem? This in-depth analysis is crucial for improving your understanding of the Digital SAT reading questions.

Are you Navigating the Complexities of Reading and Writing with Skill?

The Reading and Writing section of SAT tests you on a wide range of skills from comprehension to reasoning skills and from grammar to punctuations. Here are some frequent errors to avoid:

1. Adding and assuming outside information:

   The Digital SAT reading-based texts are standalone. All the information you need to answer the SAT reading and writing questions is within the text itself. Bringing in outside information or making assumptions based on your personal opinions can lead you to trap choices.

   Our advice: Read and comprehend the information that is given. Avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions that are not explicitly supported by the text. For Digital SAT reading questions, treat each text as a universe with its own set of rules and context. Remember, there is no concept of multi-verse in the SAT.

2. Faulty Understanding of Vocabulary in Context:

   We all know that words can have multiple meanings, but Vocabulary in Context questions of SAT tests your ability to understand vocabulary in the specific context of the mentioned text. Also, plugging in every option to check what ‘sounds’ correct is not a ‘sound’ strategy.

   Our advice: Don’t just rely on your prior knowledge of a word. Pay close attention to how the word is used in the sentence and context. Look for contextual clues, connectors, and tone of the context that can help you determine its intended meaning. This is a key aspect of mastering Digital SAT Vocabulary in Context questions.

3. Not revising the conventions of Standard English:

   Grammar and punctuations-related questions are a major part of Digital SAT reading and writing section. The common mistake that students make is not revising the grammar and punctuation rules once learned.

   Question:

   Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the Conventions of Standard English?

   ( A ) involves

   ( B ) involve

   ( C ) is involved

   ( D ) was involved

   This question may look like a Tenses question, but this is actually the question of Subject-Verb Agreement so if you marked the answer from the perspective of tense you might get the answer wrong. As the main subject and its verb may not be matching in number.

   Our advice: Learn and revise the grammar and punctuation rules, as tested on SAT, thoroughly and regularly. Also, believing that a question will test on only one rule in isolation may not always be the case, so make sure that all the rules are on your finger-tips and apply them as and when required. Many Digital SAT coaching programs emphasize these foundational rules, and for good reason.

4. Overlooking ‘keywords”:

   Keywords like “because,” “and,” “however,” “thus,” “always,” “never,” “often,” primarily,” and “only” etc., can significantly help to understand the intent and alter the meaning of a statement. Overlooking these basic yet core words can lead to incorrect answers.

   Our advice: Pay close attention to these seemingly insignificant words in both the texts and the answer choices. They often are the game-changers and assist in avoiding traps in Digital SAT reading & writing questions.

Harnessing the Power of Active Analysis: Transforming Errors into Merits

Merely completing practice questions won’t lead to real improvement. The real progress comes during the review phase. Active review means thoroughly examining your errors to uncover the reasons behind them and learning strategies to prevent them next time. This is the core benefit of effective Digital SAT coaching where expert teachers guide you through this phase.

Some effective suggestions-

1. Make an Error log:

   After every practice session, write down the questions you answered incorrectly, why you selected the wrong option, and the correct reasoning behind the right answer. This process helps you recognize consistent patterns in your mistakes.

2. Sort Your Mistakes into Categories:

   Do you often have trouble with inference questions in the Reading section? Are punctuation errors a common issue for you in the Writing section? Spotting these trends helps you target your study more effectively.

3. Revisit the concept and redo the incorrect questions:

   When you pinpoint a weakness, go back and review the foundational concepts. For example, if strengthen and weaken is a challenge, take time to revisit and reinforce the concept and strategy related to it. Resolve the wrong answer in order to understand whether you grasp the concept or not. Many SAT coaching provides personalized doubt solving sessions that will help you.

Customizing Your Practice: Ensuring Each Question Matters

Practice alone isn’t enough—what truly makes a difference is how you practice. To ensure the best results in SAT reading and writing section, it’s essential to focus your practice on your individual strengths and areas that need improvement.

1. Begin with Diagnostic Tests:

   These assessments reveal your strengths and highlight areas for improvement in the Reading and Writing sections. Concentrate your early study efforts on the topics where you struggle the most.

2. Seek expert guidance:

   Many institutions provide SAT-focussed coaching programs, where you get customized study plan and guidance to make your dream of a great SAT score into reality.

3. Practice from verified content:

   Once you have learned the concepts well, practice on authentic SAT-related content. Practice on digitized material under time constraints. Seek expert help to overcome your weaknesses and get a customized plan of action.

Remember by practicing with clear intention and a smart strategy, you can make each question a step towards your chances of success in your SAT preparation. Persistent endeavour and a willingness to learn from your mistakes are key to mastering the Reading and Writing sections. With the right SAT coaching and a positive mindset, you can turn challenges into learning opportunities and stay motivated towards your goal to achieve your target SAT score.