SAT Words of the Day:
Artless-(adjective)-without skill; crude
In context: The artless dancer tripped her partner several times during the performance.
Find out what's happening in Commackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Callous-(adjective)-insensitive
In context: The doctor's callous comments were hurtful to many of her patients.
Find out what's happening in Commackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Contentious-(adjective)-argumentative
In context: The salesperson called his manager for help when the customer became contentious.
Tactless-(adjective)-rude; lacking skill with people
In context: The tactless waiter offended several of his customers and earned terrible tips as a result.
Uncouth-(adjective)-clumsy or awkward; lacking in manners
In context: It is uncouth to let a door close in someone's face.
SAT Tip of the Day: Reading Comprehension Paired Passages
Paired passages consist of two long or short passages on the same topic and a set of shared questions. Some of the questions will relate specifically to one passage and some will require comparisons between the two. Begin by reading the first passage and answering the corresponding questions. Repeat this process for the second passage. Once you have finished examining the passages independently of one another, consider their relationship. Do they contradict or support one another? What tone does each author take regarding the topic? It is essential to understand how the passages relate to one another in order to successfully answer the questions that address both passages. Once you have determined a basic relationship, answer the remaining questions. Remember to be objective and make inferences based on the information provided in each passage.
Suggested Resource: McGraw Hill's Top 50 Skills for a Top Score: SAT Critical Reading and Writing by Brian Leaf
This book identifies 50 basic skills that will help students to master the critical reading section of the exam. Exercises are provided for each skill as well as a pretest and posttest to identify weaknesses and strengths.
Did You Know? Short reading passages are not necessarily easier than long reading passages. They are often more complex and require more inferences to be made.
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.
