SAT Prep Plan: SAT Learning Topic - Strategy
for the Essay Question
Essay content: active reading
Description:
One of the factors that influences the way your essay will be scored
is your use of vocabulary. Scorers will be looking for varied and
appropriate use of language. One way to impress your reader is by
using sophisticated vocabulary in a way that sounds natural (you
do not want to use "big words" just for the sake of using complicated
vocabulary).
A key way in which you can expand your vocabulary is through active
reading. Active reading simply involves making sure you are interacting
with a text that you're reading, rather than passively receiving
the information. Active reading helps to keep your mind focused
and stops it from wandering away from the text.
Engaging in active reading is as simple as sitting down to read
with a highlighter or pen and a dictionary. As you read, underline,
highlight, and annotate as you go. Make notes. When you come across
a word that you are not familiar with, circle it, and look up its
definition. This not only helps you learn new words, but it helps
you identify the ways in which a published author successfully uses
that word.
As you read actively, there are other key items in the text to
watch for and mark. Pay attention to the transitional phrases the
author uses. When you come across a main idea or key point, flag
it. Then, think about that point and respond to it in the margin-stay
engaged with the text as you read.
SAT Prep Plan: SAT Learning Topic - Strategy
for the Essay Question
Essay content: active reading 
