SAT Vocabulary: How to Prepare
To prepare for the vocabulary challenges in the SAT, it is essential to understand what is being tested and how to study for the vocabulary sections. Being familiar with a wide range of vocabulary will certainly be beneficial when taking the SATs. The types of vocabulary questions used in the newer SAT are slightly different, focusing more on interpreting the words and identifying how they are used.
How is Vocabulary Tested on the SAT?
In the current SAT, students are tested in the context of reading passages. These types of questions test a student’s ability to use context clues to interpret vocabulary words and their meanings. While context clues assist students in identifying a word’s meaning, often the answer choices can be as unfamiliar as the word in question. Familiarizing yourself with as many vocabulary words as possible will better position students to excel when working on this section of the SATs.
What Do SAT Vocabulary Questions Look Like?
Within the Reading and Writing section there are four domains: Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. Craft and Structure includes vocabulary as a tested skill.
In addition to words in context questions, there are questions that require students to select a single word or phrase to paraphrase or clarify part of a passage. With these questions, you must understand what all the SAT vocab words mean so that you can choose the right answer.
How to Study SAT Words Effectively
Working with the list of commonly used SAT words can be overwhelming. It is not necessary to memorize all these words. Familiarizing yourself with most of them should help you better interpret and answer questions correctly on SAT Reading and Writing. One suggestion is to break the list down alphabetically. Make a plan to set aside a block each week to review just the “A”, “B” and “C” …words.
Try out some of these techniques to help with an SAT vocabulary review:
Use flashcards: A great way to study SAT vocab words is to make flashcards.
- Go through the words and cross out all the ones you know. This elimination will streamline the amount of words you need to review.
- Make flashcards with the remaining words and their definitions.
- As you begin to review the flashcards, put the cards in 2 piles: one ‘know-it’ pile and one ‘challenged’ pile.
- Continue reviewing the cards and separating them in the 2 piles until you only have one pile of words you know.
- Write sentences using the words: This will help reinforce your understanding and recognition of the words.
Use the words in conversation: Find ways to incorporate new vocabulary words into your daily conversations and writing.
Read extensively: Read a variety of articles, books, and newspapers, to expose yourself to a new vocabulary.
Use a dictionary: When you encounter a new word, look it up in a dictionary so that you understand its different meanings and usage.
Practice with SAT passages: After studying vocabulary, practice using your new knowledge in SAT reading and writing passages.
Taking time to review vocabulary words, using any method above, will help students familiarize themselves with many of the words they will encounter during the test-taking. Being prepared for this section of the test will boost a student’s confidence and ease in answering the questions.
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