The EDUFAX Educational FAQ

Question #75:

Why do some students score 800 on the Verbal section of the SAT? Is it because they read often? Is there a correlation between reading and verbal scores, and if there is, why ?

Answer #75:

It is not enough to "read often" to get an 800 on the Verbal SAT. Most kids who achieve this score have an innate knowledge of language, grammar, and reading comprehension. They read voluminously by choice, because they love to delve into the intricacies of language. The level and nature of reading is also very important; benefits come more from content and style than from time spent. If you read aggressively, looking up new vocabulary and trying to rephrase theories in your own words, you should develop a more advanced awareness of reading comprehension skills. Pay attention to every question asked in the verbal section, and to every word in every question. The SAT does not use words lightly. Each sentence is tested numerous times to make sure it accomplishes the purpose for which it has been written. When you take practice tests, correct your work and go over your errors. Decide whether they stem from vocabulary or reasoning problems. Try to understand why the correct answer is better than yours. This will help you begin to think like the educators who develop these standardized tests. The more you practice, the easier it will be to understand the structure of the test. Don't learn long vocabulary lists, because you will forget the words in a day or two. Choose two or three words a day from any SAT prep word list or word book and use the new words (silently or aloud) all day long. This strategy will anchor them in your long-term memory and you will be able to use them confidently during standardized testing. But most important of all, don't spend your time worrying. It's counterproductive. Do the best you can on the SAT I or the ACT and use the results to help you find a college which respects your skills. Make sure that you are rested and prepared for the test and remember that one three hour exam can never reveal all the unique intricacy of a human being. Good Luck, and may the scores be with you! EDUFAX provides Verbal Test Prep Tutorials (PSAT/SAT I/SAT II/ACT).

Students who read this question were also interested in: Q.#51 : What is a "good" SAT score? What is a "great" score ? Q.#64 : I need to improve my Verbal SAT score... Q.#86 : Why can I get 800 on the Math SAT, but not on the Verbal SAT ? If this information was helpful, please click on the smiley

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