SAT Writing Essentials_1 ppsx

SAT WRITING ESSENTIALS [...]... to the new SAT is the addition of a Writing section; however, all of the material in this section isn’t entirely new The Writing section has three parts; the first two are multiple choice, and the last is essay writing You’ll have 35 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section, which is broken down into 25- and 10minute parts It contains the same structure and content as the “old” SAT II Writing Test...C H A P T E R 1 Getting to Know the Writing Section of the New SAT For over 80 years, high school juniors and seniors have faced the SAT on their paths to college During that time, the test has undergone some changes However, the new SAT, offered for the first time in March 2005, represents the most significant change in the history of... questions Coachability The SAT, including the new Writing section, is often referred to as a coachable test That means you can improve performance through study and practice, whether with this book, software, or a course In fact, many companies in the test-preparation business tout a hundred- or more point gain for their students Dili- 2 – GETTING TO KNOW THE WRITING SECTION OF THE NEW SAT – Skip questions... the “old” SAT II Writing Test (which was optional, 1 – GETTING TO KNOW THE WRITING SECTION OF THE NEW SAT – gent preparation or coaching is a combination of three critical components: and has now been eliminated), and includes 49 questions designed to measure your knowledge of basic grammar and usage rules as well as general writing and revising strategies The questions consist of three types: identifying... year? They’ll miss more of the Saturday on which they take it: The old SAT was three hours long, and the new one is almost four Instead of two sections, the test now includes three, and the top score is 2,400 instead of 1,600 But of even greater importance are the changes within those sections Let’s look more closely at what today’s students will encounter with the new SAT Old versus New Minor changes... test-taking skills need improving Then, get out your calendar How much time can you realistically devote each day and each week to your SAT preparations? Estimate how long you can spend on each of the four question types 5 – GETTING TO KNOW THE WRITING SECTION OF THE NEW SAT – you’ll get a chance to try some practice questions If you haven’t improved since your first practice test, you’ll need a more thorough... much time you’ll need to arrive punctually, park, and walk from parking to the building where you will take the SAT This “trial run” will help you avoid a last minute rush to the test, which would only increase anxiety One Week before the Test Saturday morning, one week before you take the SAT, is a good time for your final practice test Then, use your next few days to wrap up any loose ends Reread your... TO KNOW THE WRITING SECTION OF THE NEW SAT – tions) to make sure you are transposing correctly Look at the question number, and then check your answer sheet to see that you are marking the oval by that question number If you find yourself getting anxious during the test, remember to breathe You have worked hard to prepare for this day You are ready The Day Before It’s the day before the SAT Here are... ques- ■ ■ ■ ■ 8 The new SAT has three sections instead of two; the top score is 2,400 rather than 1,600 The test is now three hours and 45 minutes long The Writing section is new; it’s comprised of the essay (25 minutes) and two multiple-choice groups (25 and 10 minutes) Multiple-choice questions are: Identifying Sentence Errors, Improving Sentences, and Improving Paragraphs The SAT is a coachable test,... answer choices, guess – GETTING TO KNOW THE WRITING SECTION OF THE NEW SAT – ■ ■ ■ Use your test booklet: Mark off answer choices you know are wrong, circle questions you’ve skipped in case there’s time to come back to them, and take notes for your essay You’re not expected to turn in a final draft essay; aim for a “polished rough draft.” Graders give your writing a total score of 2–12 based on a holistic . 68 Essay Writing Workshop 69 Contents vii CHAPTER 4 Practice Test 1 75 CHAPTER 5 Practice Test 2 10 3 CHAPTER 6 Practice Test 3 13 3 –CONTENTS– viii SAT WRITING ESSENTIALS