10 Tips to Improve Your Reading Comprehension for the SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions, especially in the United States. It is designed to measure a student's readiness for college and provide colleges with a common data point for comparing applicants.

Here are 10 effective tips to improve your English verbal skills for the SAT:

1. Expand Your Vocabulary

Study high-frequency SAT words. Resources like "Barron’s 3500 SAT Words" or vocabulary apps like Quizlet can help.

Learn words in context by reading passages and understanding how they’re used.

Practice roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words.

2. Read Actively

Read editorials, articles, and SAT-like passages from sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, or Scientific American.

Focus on understanding tone, main ideas, and arguments.

Annotate while reading—highlight key points and unfamiliar words.

3. Practice SAT Reading Passages

Use SAT prep books or online resources to practice with actual reading passages.

Focus on question types (e.g., inference, vocabulary in context, main idea).

Time yourself to simulate real test conditions.

4. Work on Grammar and Usage Rules

Master key grammar concepts tested on the SAT, such as subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and pronoun usage.

Use grammar books like The Elements of Style by Strunk and White or SAT-specific resources.

5. Understand the Question Types

Familiarize yourself with the SAT Verbal section structure:

Reading comprehension

Rhetorical skills

Sentence correction

Recognize patterns in how questions are framed.

6. Practice Writing Skills

Write summaries of what you read to reinforce comprehension and vocabulary.

Focus on improving sentence clarity and variety.

Get feedback on your writing from teachers or peers.

7. Use Flashcards for Quick Review

Create flashcards for vocabulary and grammar rules.

Include examples to understand word usage or sentence structure better.

Review flashcards daily to reinforce memory.

8. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Take official SAT practice tests from the College Board to get used to the format and timing.

Analyze your mistakes and review weak areas.

Build stamina by completing sections in one sitting.

9. Engage in Conversations

Speak English in daily conversations to improve fluency and confidence.

Use SAT words intentionally while speaking or writing to reinforce their usage.

10. Work with a Tutor or Join a Study Group

Consider working with an SAT tutor for personalized feedback.

Join a study group to share strategies and learn collaboratively.