Transcript Critical Reading - Rachwal

Critical Reading
Sentence Completion Strategies
Sentence Completion Questions
Test Two Main Attributes:
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The strength of your vocabulary.
Your general verbal ability, especially
your ability to understand the logic of
sentences.
Preparation
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To improve your verbal ability, read as
widely as you can and look up words
you do not recognize.
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Read anything: newspapers, articles,
articulate blogs, short stories…just keep
reading!
Preparation
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Latin and Greek Roots
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https://www.msu.edu/~defores1/gre/roots/gr
e_rts_afx2.htm
There are many websites like the link above
that list common prefixes, suffixes, and root
words. Study them; they will help you figure
out words you don’t know!
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acer means “bitter,” “sour”, or “sharp”
Even the acerbic old woman smiled when children
came to visit her in the nursing home.
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What do you think acerbic means?
Answer:
a⋅cer⋅bic
əˈsɜr bɪk/ [uh-sur-bik]–adjective
 1.sour or astringent in taste: Lemon

juice is acerbic.
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2.harsh or severe, as of temper or
expression: acerbic criticism.
Preparation (continued)
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SAT Words Hot List
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http://nccsc.k12.in.us/hsmedia/hot_words_SAT.ht
m
You can find these lists online or in any SAT prep
book.
This site groups the words by definition.
I suggest you group the words in some way
yourself, maybe even alphabetically, and work on
them a chunk at a time.
Flash cards are the bomb!
Preparation
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Quizlet even has SAT words!
http://quizlet.com/207969/100-mostcommon-sat-words-flash-cards/
Sentence Completion Question
Format
Every section of questions will be preceded
by a set of directions and an example for
your reference:
Directions
 Read the sentence
 Choose the word or set of words that,
when inserted in the sentence, best fits
the meaning of the sentence.
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Sentence Completion Format
SAMPLE QUESTION:
Medieval kingdoms did not become
constitutional republics overnight; on
the contrary, the change was
________.
A.
Unpopular
B.
Unexpected
C.
Advantageous
D.
Sufficient
E.
Gradual
Answer:
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The correct answer is (E) Gradual.
Medieval kingdoms did not become
constitutional republics overnight;
on the contrary, the change was
gradual.
Basic Steps for Solving
Sentence Completions
1.
2.
3.
Read the sentence carefully.
Think of a word or words that will fit the
blanks appropriately.
Look through the five answer choices for
the word. If it’s not there, move on to
the next step.
Basic Steps for Solving
Sentence Completions
4.
5.
6.
Examine the sentence for clues to the
missing word.
Eliminate any answers choices that are
ruled out by the clues.
Try the ones that are left and pick
whichever is best.
Time to Practice our Mad
Skills!
Please go to
www.rachwal.wikispaces.com
and go to the “SAT prep” page to find
links to a few practice tests that the
website will score for you!
Take at least three of the tests.
Good luck!
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