Which SAT Questions Are Worth the Most points?
The Error-Identification portion of the SAT Writing section can be very tricky, and even students who are confident in their Critical Reading skills opine that it seems impossible.
The well-kept secret is, however, that the Writing section is the easiest to improve on!
Let me explain.
First, the grammar questions operate according to a few well-defined laws and principles. Just as in math, SAT grammar is what it is, with little to no room for debate. Certainly, grammar enthusiasts are happy to debate the nuances of which word or construction to use and when. But on the SAT Writing section, the correct usage and constructions are correct all the time! It’s simply a matter of learning what those are.
When teaching SAT Writing, I make sure to expose students to every grammar error and explain to them how it’s fixed. The emphasis is on structure. Once you’ve studied grammar in the SAT Writing section, you’ll be able to spot a dangling modifier from a mile away! Incorrect pronouns stick out like sore thumbs! Bad comparisons practically beg to be fixed.
The SAT tests the same concepts again and again, without fail. It’s absolutely possible to memorize the rules, practice their application in the wild, and reap the benefits!
How Does Mastering Grammar Lead to the Fastest Point Gain?
Because there are only two multiple-choice writing sections, one of which is only 10 minutes long, each question is worth a lot more. Someone who hasn’t studied the rules of grammar and who is scoring around 500 can easily leap to 700 and beyond after studying grammar.
Recently, I tutored a girl whose strong suit is Math. She went from just under 600 to a perfect 800 in a matter of weeks! The secret to her success? Learning the types of errors the SAT tests—learning how to recognize and fix them.
What About the Essay?
I’m going to tackle the essay in greater detail in another post. For now, though, you should rest assured that the Essay section, though more subjective than the multiple-choice questions, also operates according to a few well-defined laws. Once students understand what essay graders are looking for, they’re able to make the best use of their time and craft an essay that hits on all the major points.
Stay tuned for a more detailed post on the essay.
And remember—grammar is easy to master and gains you points quickly.