Studying vocabulary for the Critical Reading Skills section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test can help boost a student's test scores. Every correct answer can be vital in improving the chances for acceptance into a favored university. Even though the number of words included in the test is a small percentage of the possible words, the college-bound student will reap long-term benefits by increasing vocabulary in addition to test scores.
Making the Word Lists Manageable
Trying to memorize all of the most common words days before the test would be challenging, and the information might not be retained beyond the day of the test. Students who plan ahead can break the word lists into 10-20 word groups and study each group for a week, to incorporate the words into their memories. After just 10 weeks of studying, the student will be able to learn 1000-2000 new words. For students who are anxious to improve their scores, this is a reasonable and achievable goal.
For those on a budget, many online sites provide free printable SAT vocabulary word lists. For example, this vocabulary builder site has 10 word lists with the 550+ most common SAT words with the added bonus of 90 more word lists with almost 5000 words created for overachievers. Other sites have word lists with definitions and creative sentences to help the student visualize and remember the definitions of the words. There are even video lessons on YouTube for those who learn best with audio or by watching a presentation style display.
Practice SAT Tests
Once the student feels confident with his vocabulary skills, he can begin to take practice tests.These can be found in SAT preparation books and guides as well as online. The tests indicate strengths and weaknesses in vocabulary.
Write down any missed words and plan to spend extra time studying them. Sometimes it takes a few more minutes of thought or memorization to add the word to a student's permanent word bank. Think about why the question was answered incorrectly in order to determine a better way to learn the word.
Vocabulary Word Games
With a little research via the internet, find different free online games to play or print out. Crossword puzzles as well as games like Scrabble and Boggle can be played online or as board games with a partner. FreeRice sponsors donations of free rice to the United Nations World Food Program for every vocabulary word the student answers correctly. The quiz scales to increasing difficulty levels for each correct answer.
It's just a matter of having fun with words and taking pleasure in learning. As long as the student leaves enough time to improve his vocabulary before the test, taking a relaxed yet studious and committed approach to improving vocabulary should be painless if not enjoyable. The SAT Critical Reading section should pose no difficulties and the student's lifelong vocabulary will increase.
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