SAT Words of the Week

SAT Words of the Week:

Cacophony-(noun)-harsh, jarring sounds

In context:  The cacophony of screeching brakes and honking horns gave me a headache as I sat in the traffic jam.

Din-(noun)-a loud uproar

In context:  The din of applause distracted the students on stage.

Dulcet-(adjective)-soft and soothing in sound

In context:  The dulcet jangling of wind chimes has a relaxing effect on many people.

Mellifluous-(adjective)-harmonious; pleasant sounding

In context: The floor was packed with people dancing to the mellifluous music of the band.

Sonorous-(adjective)-creating deep, rich sound

In context: The  choir's sonorous voices captivated the audience.

SAT Tip of the Day: 

Sentence completion questions on the critical reading portion of the exam need to be tackled systematically.  Carefully read the sentence and note the blank(s) that need to be completed.  Consider what words you might use without looking at the answer choices.  Then look for synonyms for the word(s) you thought of.  Use the process of elimination to reduce answer choices.   Once you select the answer that best fits the context of the sentence, be sure to read the sentence a final time with the selected answer in place.   This last step is crucial because it will help you determine if the word you selected actually fits the sentence. 

Be aware that these sentences require you to examine a relationship within the sentence.  Relationships may be as simple as a word followed by its definition or as complex as a cause and its effect.  Look for key words and phrases such as but, although, or in spite of.   Most sentences will offer one or two key words that will help you to determine the context of the sentence. 

Suggested Resource:  Gruber's SAT Word Master:  The Most Effective Way to Learn the Most Important SAT Vocabulary Words by Gary Gruber

This supplemental resource zones in on SAT vocabulary.  It addresses frequently used words, groups them into categories, and provides vocabulary tests. 

Did You Know?  There are 19 sentence completion questions on the SAT.  They account for one-third of the score in the critical reading section.

Michele Shulman is a graduate of Hofstra University where she majored in English and earned both a B.A. and M.A.   She taught English at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens and Farmingdale High School, here on Long Island, before taking a leave of absence to raise her children.  Currently, she teaches SAT preparation classes and tutors privately.