CHAPTER 1 Introduction to the SAT 1 CHAPTER 2 SAT Study Skills and Strategies 13 CHAPTER 3 The SAT Critical Reading Section 23 CHAPTER 4 The SAT Math Section 99 CHAPTER 5 The SAT Writing Section 181 Appendix A Math Glossary 255 Appendix B Additional Resources 257 Contents v 5658 SAT2006[FM](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:40 PM Page v 5658 SAT2006[FM](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:40 PM Page vi ACING THE SAT 2006 5658 SAT2006[FM](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:40 PM Page vii 5658 SAT2006[FM](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:40 PM Page viii  The 5 W’s Who,what,where,when,why?If you are taking the SAT this year, these are the most important questions you need answered. This book will provide you with the answers to these questions. There’s one more big question, how- ever, and that is how, as in “How do I ace the SAT?” In Chapter 3 of this book, you will review the skills you need to ace the Critical Reading section of the SAT. Chapter 4 covers essential math skills, and Chapter 5 will give you all the information you need to know about the Writing section. Every chapter in this book, however, will be use- ful in your quest to maximize your SAT scores, so read them all carefully.  Who Takes the SAT? Most college-bound high school students take the SAT, approximately two million every year. If misery loves com- pany, you must be feeling pretty good right now! Hang in there, though. By the time you finish this book, your misery will be history. It will be replaced with the confidence that you are going to shine on the SAT. CHAPTER Introduction to the SAT 1 1 5658 SAT2006[01](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:41 PM Page 1  Who Makes the SAT? The College Board is an association of colleges and schools that makes the exam. It retains the Educational Testing Service (ETS ® ) to develop and administer the SAT. You may already be familiar with ETS; they also write and administer the Advanced Placement (AP ® ) tests as well as the PSAT/NMSQT ® you may have taken as a junior and/or sophomore. The ETS has a distinc- tive style of writing five-choice (or multiple-choice) and grid-in questions, which makes it easy to describe and analyze the kinds of questions you are likely to see on the SAT. However, the essay portion of the Writing section will require a different type of preparation than the other kinds of questions. This book will prepare you for all types of SAT questions.  What Is the SAT? The SAT is one of the main standardized tests colleges use to evaluate reading, writing, and mathematical skills in prospective students. Another test, the Amer- ican College Testing (ACT) Program Assessment, is designed primarily to measure what you’ve learned in various academic subjects, while the SAT aims prima- rily to measure the critical thinking skills you will find useful in your academic career. Naturally, members of the College Board (and others) believe that possessing these skills will help you perform better in your higher education. That’s why you’re smart to be using this book. You are developing your intellectual assets, mak- ing yourself look more attractive to the colleges you’re interested in, and giving yourself a head start on your college career. You may also be planning to take one or more of the SAT II™ subject tests. These exams test your knowl- edge of specific subjects, such as history, the sciences, and languages, and are based on what you have learned in school rather than on your test-taking skills.  What Is the SAT Used For? Colleges use your SAT scores as part of an evaluation process to decide whether you will be a good addition to their student body. Look at the preceding sentence again. What word leaps out at you? It’s the word part. What other things do colleges look at? The short answer is everything. The good news for students who don’t have perfect grade point averages and who may not have perfect SAT scores is that colleges look at indi- viduals, not just at scores and grades. Are you an ath- lete? Of course colleges consider that. Are you a performer—a dancer or an actor? Colleges want peo- ple who can contribute to campus cultural life. Are you active in your community as a volunteer? Colleges know that high school students who contribute to their communities also are positive members of college com- munities. Do you love literature but can’t bring your- self to study anything else? College admissions committees know that even Einstein flunked a math course or two. The important thing is for you to present yourself as a strong candidate for admission by letting your best qualities shine through in your application. Think of a photographer shooting a still-life scene, arranging all the different elements of the picture to make them look as interesting as possible and adjusting the light to bring out the best in the objects she captures on film. When presenting yourself to colleges, show yourself in the best possible light, and don’t forget to highlight all the qualities that make you who you are. They are looking for all kinds of people to make up a diverse stu- dent body. So, don’t sweat the SAT. Getting nervous about it won’t help you anyway. As long as you follow through with your plan to prepare for it, your score can help you become an attractive candidate. –INTRODUCTION TO THE SAT– 2 5658 SAT2006[01](fin).qx 11/21/05 6:41 PM Page 2 . Glossary 25 5 Appendix B Additional Resources 25 7 Contents v 5658 SAT2 006[FM](fin).qx 11 /21 /05 6:40 PM Page v 5658 SAT2 006[FM](fin).qx 11 /21 /05 6:40 PM Page vi ACING THE SAT 20 06 5658 SAT2 006[FM](fin).qx. CHAPTER 1 Introduction to the SAT 1 CHAPTER 2 SAT Study Skills and Strategies 13 CHAPTER 3 The SAT Critical Reading Section 23 CHAPTER 4 The SAT Math Section 99 CHAPTER 5 The SAT Writing Section. SAT. CHAPTER Introduction to the SAT 1 1 5658 SAT2 006[01](fin).qx 11 /21 /05 6:41 PM Page 1  Who Makes the SAT? The College Board is an association of colleges and schools that makes the exam. It retains