CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1     FAQs about the SAT

What does the SAT test?

What is the format of the SAT?

How is the SAT scored?

What will colleges do with my SAT scores?

What control do I have over my SAT scores?

How should I prepare for the SAT?

How can I get the most out of my SAT study sessions?

When should I take the SATs and Subject Tests?

What should I do the week before my SAT?

CHAPTER 2     Diagnostic SAT

Reading Test

Writing and Language Test

Math Test – No Calculator

Math Test – Calculator

Essay (optional)

CHAPTER 3     SAT Vocabulary: The Language of Ideas

The Language of Ideas and Learning

The Language of Argument, Reasoning, and Persuasion

The Language of Dissent, Criticism, and Rebellion

The Language of Power and Submission

The Language of Language and Literature

The Language of Judgment

The Language of Extremism and Exaggeration

The Language of Care and Restraint

The Language of Freedom

The Language of Change and Force

The Language of Dullness and Stasis

The Language of Truth, Truthfulness, and Beauty

The Language of Deceit, Error, and Confusion

The Language of Creativity and Productivity

The Language of Mystery, Surprise, Adventure, and Discovery

The Language of Harm, Deficit, and Decline

The Language of Kindness, Favor, and Benefit

The Language of Wisdom, Strength, and Skill

The Language of Capital and Wealth

The Language of Passion, Emotion, and Sensation

The Power Roots and Affixes for the SAT

CHAPTER 4     The SAT Reading Test

The Core Analytical Reading Skills

The Three Key Questions

The Three Secondary Questions

Advanced SAT Reading Techniques

CHAPTER 5     The SAT Writing and Language Test

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Strengthen the Core

Organize the Ideas in Your Paragraphs

Use Parallel Structure

Use Modifiers Effectively

Make Your Comparisons Clear and Precise

Make Sure Your Pronouns Are Clear and Precise

Make Your Verbs Clear and Precise

Make the Rest of Your Sentence Clear and Precise

Know How to Punctuate

CHAPTER 6     The SAT Essay

Understand the Analytical Task

Read the Passage Using the “Three-Pass Approach”

Construct Your Thesis and Outline

Write the Essay

Sample Essay

CHAPTER 7     The SAT Math Test: The Heart of Algebra

Working with Expressions

Working with Linear Equations

Working with Inequalities and Absolute Values

Working with Linear Systems

CHAPTER 8     The SAT Math Test: Problem Solving and Data Analysis

Working with Data

Working with Rates, Ratios, Percentages, and Proportions

Working with Tables of Data

Working with Graphs of Data

CHAPTER 9     The SAT Math: Advanced Mathematics

Understanding Functions

Working with Quadratics and Other Polynomials

Working with Exponentials and Radicals

Working with Rational Expressions

CHAPTER 10   The SAT Math: Additional Topics

Understanding Geometric Relationships

Understanding Basic Trigonometry

Understanding Complex Numbers

CHAPTER 11   Practice Test 1

Practice Test 2

Practice Test 3

Practice Test 4