SAT Words of the Week

SAT Words of the Week:

Abstruse-(adjective)-difficult to understand
In context:  I like algebra and geometry, but I dislike calculus because it is abstruse.

Conundrum-(noun)-a problem or dilemma; a puzzle or riddle
In context:  How to be in two places at one time is a common conundrum for many people. 

Enigma-(noun)-a puzzle, a mystery
In context:   Exactly how the poor man became a millionaire remains an enigma.

Misnomer-(noun)-an incorrect name; a misapplied name
In context:   Jim's nickname is Tiny which is a misnomer because he is 6 feet tall.

Obscure-(adjective)-confusing; hard to understand
In context: The debate team's arguments were so obscure that no one could understand them.

SAT Tip of the Week:  Reading Comprehension Questions

The questions that accompany the reading comprehension passages can be intimidating at first glance.  One way to ease anxiety is to have a basic understanding of the types of questions that routinely appear on the test.  There are three major question types.

Vocabulary-in-context questions identify a word used in the passage and ask the reader to select the answer which best defines the word.   Even if you are familiar with a word, do not automatically select the answer.   Words have various meanings.   Two or more answers may be appropriate definitions for a particular word, but only one will fit the context of the sentence where the word appears.  Go directly to the word in the passage and examine how it is used.    After you select your answer, read the sentence with your selection to make sure that it is the best fit. 

Literal comprehension questions ask about facts and ideas that are supplied in the passage.  Refer to the passage to determine the answer to the question.  Be aware that questions and answers will not be phrased identically to the passage.   Although it may seem tedious to search for answers, remind yourself that the answers are there and you simply have to find them.

Reasoning questions are the third and most challenging type of question because the answers are not directly stated in the passage. You will often be asked to consider what the author is suggesting or implying. In order to determine the answer you must have an understanding of the function or purpose of the passage and the tone the author takes. Draw your conclusions based on the material supplied. Be careful not to rely on your opinions or prior knowledge on the subject.

Suggested Resource:  McGraw-Hill's SAT 2010 by Christopher Blach and Mark Anestis

This guidebook offers a comprehensive overview of the exam, practice sections for specific types of questions and problems and several practice tests.

Did you know? Answers can be true but wrong.  Your goal is to determine the best answer to the question. 

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.