SAT Words of the Week

SAT Words of the Day:   

Frugal-(adjective)-careful with money; not wasteful

In context:  My mother is so frugal that she only buys items that are on sale.

Hoard-(verb)-to stockpile; to accumulate for use in the future

In context:  Some people hoard food and supplies whenever a big storm is expected.

Miser-(noun)-a stingy person

In context:  My friend is such a miser that she refused to lend me a quarter even though she had one to spare.

Spendthrift-(noun)-a person who is wasteful with money

In context:  John is such a spendthrift that he buys expensive gadgets that he doesn't need and never uses. 

Squander-(verb)-to waste; to spend extravagantly

In context:  The lottery winner squandered millions on big houses and fancy cars.

SAT Tips of the Day:  Reading Comprehension Passages

1. Reading comprehension passages often open with italicized introductory paragraphs.  Many students are tempted to skip these paragraphs, but should not.  The introduction often provides important background information that helps the reader to establish a focus. 
2. Passages are line numbered and many of the questions provide a line reference.   Be sure to examine the sentences before and after the referenced line for the anwer to the question. 
3. More often than not, readers will be asked a question about the main purpose of the passage.   In order to answer this question, you must have a general understanding of the passage as a whole.  For this reason, it is important to read the article, rather than skim it or go directly to the questions and try to find answers using the line references.   As you read, consider the main point or purpose of the passage. 
4. Test takers are expected to choose the "best" answer.  Some answers may seem correct but are too broad or too narrow.   Many answers sound good, but are not supported by the passage.  Keep this in mind as you select your answers.  As you use the process of elimination, ask yourself if the answer is the "best" choice based on the reading material.

Suggested Resource:  Barron's SAT Critical Reading Workbook by Sharon Weiner Green

This workbook provides a series of exercises for the critical reading portion of the SAT.  Exercises are divided into 3 levels of increasing difficulty. 

Did You Know?  Reading comprehension questions follow the sequence of the passage and are not arranged  in order of difficulty.

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.