Preparing for the ACT/SAT What are the ACT and SAT? High school juniors often need to take standardized tests, especially if they are considering going to college This section will introduce you to the formats used by two of the most common standardized tests you may take: the ACT and the SAT Studying these formats and completing the practice items will help prepare you for the tests and make you a more confident test taker how the tests compare act sat Required for admission at many colleges Required for admission at many colleges Tests achievement in English, reading, science reasoning, and math Tests critical reading skills, math, and writing Tests grammar skills Tests grammar skills Tests vocabulary skills Places more emphasis on vocabulary Multiple choice with an optional essay Mostly multiple choice with an essay and 10 student-determined math questions Does not penalize guessing, so answer every question Penalizes guessing, so skip a question if you cannot eliminate any answer choices Scores range from to 36 for each of the four tests; a composite score, which is the average of the four test scores, can also range from 1–36 Scores range from 200 to 800 for each of the three sections ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL43 2/8/08 2:46:20 PM Focus on the English, Reading, and Writing Sections of the ACT and the SAT how english skills are covered on the ACT Reading Test English Writing Test (Optional) Multiple-choice questions Includes readings in these subject areas: social sciences, natural sciences, fiction, humanities Multiple-choice questions Covers usage and mechanics Requires you to demonstrate ability to • punctuation • understand literal meaning and make inferences • grammar and usage Essay prompt identifies two positions on an issue You are asked to take a position and support it in an essay You will have thirty minutes to plan and write your essay • identify main ideas and details • sentence structure • understand cause and effect/sequence of events Covers rhetorical skills • compare and contrast • organization • use context to find meaning of words and phrases • style • strategy • analyze voice and techniques how english skills are covered on the SAT The Critical Reading Section Includes two types of multiple-choice questions: sentence-completion and passage-based reading questions Sentence-completion questions test your vocabulary and understanding of how sentence parts work together Passage-based reading questions test your understanding of what is stated or implied by the passage These questions require you to • understand literal meaning, including vocabulary • make inferences (extended reasoning) • identify main ideas and details • understand cause and effect Writing Section This part of the test begins with an essay You will be asked to present and support your response on a specific topic You will also be asked to answer multiple-choice questions that test your ability to • improve sentences • identify sentence errors • improve paragraphs • follow the logic of an argument • recognize tone ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL44 2/8/08 2:46:22 PM ACT/SAT Strategies and Practice Test-Taking Strategies Stay calm when you are faced with a test These tips will help you approach any test with confidence steps to take before any test • Be prepared Know what you need to take with you to the test (for example, identification, a registration ticket, and #2 pencils) Get your things together the night before you take the test • Be on time Know where the testing center is and how long it will take you to get there Plan to arrive a few minutes early • Know the format Find out what the test will cover and what format it will have The ACT and the SAT are both mostly multiple-choice tests The SAT has a written essay and the ACT has an optional written essay • Practice You may want to take a practice test to familiarize yourself with the question types and format of the test If you get nervous about taking tests, practice may help you relax and feel more confident • Review the Test-Taking Handbook that is part of this textbook Pages R96–R103 provide a handy reference along with many helpful strategies and tips steps to take during any test • Read directions Be sure you understand what you are being asked to • Fill in the answer sheet carefully Follow directions for filling in the answer sheet Avoid unnecessary marks If you skip a question, make sure you skip that item on the answer sheet • Manage your time Many tests tell you about how much time to spend on each section Try resetting your watch to noon just before you begin the test so that during the test, you can tell at a glance how much time you have spent • Answer easy questions first Look over the test once and answer any questions you know quickly Skip questions when you are unsure of the answers Then go back and spend more time on the questions you skipped • Check your answers if you have time Look over your work Make sure you have filled in the answer sheet correctly See if you can answer any questions you skipped Usually your first answer is correct, so not change answers unless you have a good reason, such as realizing that you misread a question florida student guide FL45 ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL45 2/8/08 2:46:24 PM Testing Tips for the ACT and the SAT Keep a positive attitude Take the test seriously, but remember it is only one piece of the information used to assess your ability or achievement If you are nervous, take a few deep breaths and remember that you have prepared yourself for success on the test for the ACT • Answer every question You earn points for each correct answer There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so if you not know the answer to a question, try to narrow down the choices and make your best guess Even if you are unable to narrow down the choices, you should still guess • Complete the test Because there is no penalty for incorrect answers, it is in your best interest to answer every question If you manage your time well, you should be able to complete the test If you are running out of time, try to quickly answer any remaining questions • Know that the optional writing test is last If you choose to take the writing test, remember to take some time to plan your response in the beginning and to a final check at the end for the SAT • Try to narrow down choices You earn points for each correct answer You lose a fraction of a point for each incorrect answer If you cannot eliminate any responses, leave the question blank If you can eliminate even one answer, you may want to guess • Complete as much of the test as you can The more questions you answer correctly, the better your score will be However, many students not have time to answer every question Try not to linger on any one question, and not panic if you think you will not be able to answer all of the questions • Be prepared to write first The essay writing test is first, while the multiplechoice writing question section is last (The other test sections in between appear in random order, and are not the same for each test-taker.) ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL46 2/8/08 2:46:26 PM Reading Comprehension Tips and Strategies The ACT and the SAT both require you to read passages and answer multiplechoice questions about them The questions will not require you to have any other outside knowledge of the subject Instead, they will focus on what is stated directly in the text or what you can infer from the text Questions in these tests are designed to assess your ability to identify the main idea, read for details, understand the author’s intent, and make sense of vocabulary, among other skills general tips for reading comprehension questions Before You Read • Scan the questions and answer choices first This will help you focus your reading • Read shorter passages first Leave longer passages until later If you not understand a passage, move on to the next one Go back and reread the skipped passage if you have time • Examine the title Quickly preview the passage to locate any helpful text features, such as headings As You Read • Read the passage carefully It is important that you read each sentence rather than skim the text Make sure you understand relationships between and among ideas • Identify main ideas and key supporting details Mentally summarize what you learn from each paragraph or section • Look for transitional words and phrases Words such as later, because, in addition to, and instead of can help you determine relationships among sentences, paragraphs, and sections When You Answer the Questions • Refer to the passage Correct answers must be based on what is in the passage, not on other information you may know about the subject • Reread, if necessary If a question asks about a particular section of the reading passage, you may find it helpful to quickly review it or even reread it • Do not spend too much time on any one question Remember, you not have to answer questions in sequential order ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL47 2/8/08 2:46:27 PM strategies for the ACT reading test • Focus on the reading You may want to make notes about important ideas in the passage either in the test booklet or on scratch paper, if provided • Manage your time Try to save time to review your work and to return to any questions you may have skipped • Start with topics you know best ACT reading passages cover a variety of subjects If you feel more confident about one subject than another, begin with a passage about that subject Then move on to other subjects • Read all of the answer choices Make sure the answer choice you select is the one that best answers what the question is asking strategies for the SAT critical reading test • Answer the sentence-completion questions first These questions take less time than the passage-based reading questions because you can read the sentences more quickly than a passage Make sure you leave time for the passage-based reading questions • For two-part answers, test the logic of one part of each answer If you have a sentence-completion question with two blanks, test the logic of the first word/phrase Eliminate any answer that does not make sense Then test the second part of the remaining answers Example: Afraid of causing a program that was too , the committee put together to generate much response (A) controversy, bland (B) interest, diverse (C) discord, questionable (D)appeal, general (E) disinterest, controversial When you test just the first word of each answer, you can eliminate B and D because logically, the committee would not be afraid of causing interest or appeal in a program Then test the remaining answers using both parts A makes more sense than C or E because a questionable or controversial program is more likely to generate a response than a bland one Even if you cannot decide between A, C, and E, eliminating two answers improves your chances of guessing correctly • Do not worry if you cannot answer every question If you are unable to eliminate at least one answer choice, it is best not to guess on the SAT ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL48 2/8/08 2:46:29 PM Reading Comprehension Practice Both the SAT and the ACT require you to read passages and answer multiple-choice questions about them Use the models below for practice The strategies in the margins will guide you as you read the passages and answer the questions ACT model DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage Then answer questions through You may refer to the passage as often as necessary HISTORY: The following passage is taken from an informational article about World War I The Great War H6I$68I War Affects the Home Front STRATEGIES FOR THE READING PASSAGE Look for the main idea The title and opening paragraph will often help you identify the main idea of a passage Use subheadings These help you understand how the article is organized and find information quickly 10 15 Use context clues Look for restatement, examples, or other clues that help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words This paragraph explains what propaganda means 20 25 By the time the United States joined the Allies, the war had been going on for nearly three years in Europe In those three years, Europe had lost more men in battle than in all the wars of the previous three centuries The Great War, as the conflict came to be known, affected everyone It touched not only the soldiers in the trenches, but civilians as well It affected not just military institutions, but also political, economic, and social institutions Governments Wage Total War World War I soon became a total war This meant that countries devoted all their resources to the war effort In Britain, Germany, Austria, Russia, and France, all the resources of each government were dedicated to winning the conflict In each country, the government took control of the economy Factories were told what products to produce and how many of each Numerous facilities were converted to munitions factories where weapons and ammunition were manufactured Nearly every able-bodied civilian was put to work Unemployment in many European countries nearly disappeared So many goods were in short supply that governments turned to rationing Under this system, people could buy only small amounts of those items that were needed for the war effort Eventually, rationing covered a wide range of goods, from metals to butter and shoe leather Governments also suppressed antiwar activity—sometimes by force In addition, they censored news about the war Many leaders feared that honest reporting of the war would turn people against it Governments also used propaganda—persuasive information designed to promote their goals and opinions—to keep up morale and support for the war ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL49 2/8/08 2:46:31 PM 30 The War’s Impact on Women Total war meant that governments turned to women for help as never before Thousands of women replaced men in factories, offices, and shops Women built tanks and weapons, plowed fields, paved streets, and ran hospitals They also kept troops supplied with food, clothing, and weapons The propaganda effort sought to glorify women’s part in the war effort In reality, much of the women’s work was dangerous and low paying Although most women left the work force when the war ended, their work for the war effort set an important precedent Now answer questions through on a separate sheet of paper Base your answers on the article “The Great War.” H6I$68I STRATEGIES FOR ANSWERING THE QUESIONS Eliminate incorrect answer choices If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate answer choices that you know are incorrect According to the author, the Great War affected: A soldiers and civilians B military personnel and institutions around the world C American and European society at large D women most of all Which heading would be most appropriate for the fifth paragraph (lines 21–25) of the article? F Propaganda and Media G Keeping Up Morale H Crack Down! Controlling Anti-War Activity J Governments Control Images of War In the third paragraph (lines 12–14) the author states, “Numerous facilities were converted to munitions factories where weapons and ammunition were manufactured.” After the war, these factories most likely were: A destroyed B converted again to produce something else C run by women D converted to housing for returning soldiers Which of the following conclusions can reasonably be drawn from the article? F Women would become soldiers if there was another war G Female workers were as productive as male workers H Many men would lose their jobs to women J Women would have a difficult time keeping their jobs or getting new jobs once men returned from war ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL50 2/8/08 2:46:34 PM Refer back to the text If the question refers you to a specific part of the passage, reread that section In the fourth paragraph, the word rationing means: A limiting how much of a resource people can buy B replacing one material with another that is less in demand C making people wait in long lines to get their goods D producing only goods needed for the war effort The main idea of the section “The War’s Impact on Women” is that: F the war did not affect women very much G people finally recognized women as heroes H women played an important role in the war J during the war, women were subjected to great danger H6I$68I SAT model STRATEGIES FOR THE READING PASSAGE DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage Then answer questions through You may refer to the passage as often as necessary Put it in context Descriptions or explanations that appear before the passage may provide context for the passage or help you focus your reading by identifying a main idea or asking a question The following passage is from President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address He delivered the speech on March 4, 1865, while the Civil War was still raging Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address Recognize sequence of events Notice tense, past or present, and words that identify time to help you understand the sequence of events 10 15 Fellow countrymen: At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war All dreaded it—all sought to avert it While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish And the war came ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL51 2/8/08 2:46:37 PM Now answer questions through on a separate sheet of paper Base your answers on the excerpt from Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address What was the purpose of Lincoln’s previous inaugural address? (A) to avert war while saving the Union (B) to arouse the nation’s continued support for war (C) to gain support for war to save the Union (D) to highlight the dangers the nation had faced during the war (E) to restate that war was not an option In line 16, “deprecated” most nearly means (A) denounced (B) predicted (C) desired (D) desisted (E) predicated Based on the first paragraph of the speech (lines 1–10), you can infer that (A) Lincoln will show how the country has changed (B) Lincoln will not talk long because the country is at peace (C) Lincoln will summarize the war’s past and outline its future (D) Lincoln’s address will be shorter than his first address (E) Lincoln’s address will be less hopeful than his first address Now turn to page S7 to see how well you did ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL52 10 2/8/08 2:46:40 PM Vocabulary Strategies and Practice Both the ACT and the SAT test your vocabulary In the ACT, vocabulary is covered in the Reading Test You are asked to determine the meaning of words in context The SAT asks you to find the meaning of words in context in the passagebased reading questions Sentence-completion questions also test your word knowledge building your vocabulary skills • Use a dictionary When you read or write, have a dictionary handy and be sure to look up any unfamiliar words • Keep a word list Write down any words and their definitions that you are learning Although neither test is a rote test of vocabulary, it does make sense to expand your vocabulary • Read and write often Both skills improve your vocabulary Make the effort to use precise language whenever you write • Review the Vocabulary and Spelling Handbook Pages R72–R79 provide a handy reference along with the many helpful strategies and tips Also review the glossaries on pages R104–R138 when you answer questions • Use context clues Other words in the sentence or passage can help you figure out unfamiliar words • Break unfamiliar words into parts Even if you have not seen a certain word before, you may recognize a prefix, suffix, or a root within it This can help you eliminate some answers vocabulary practice Choose the response that best completes each sentence Discovering the secluded beach was ; if we hadn’t taken a wrong turn we never would have found it (A) treacherous (B) serendipitous (C) spontaneous (D) isolated (E) auspicious The careful investigators examined the scene for pieces of evidence (A) doggedly superfluous (B) scrupulously obvious (C) scurrilously anticipated (D) perfunctorily essential (E) meticulously minute ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL53 11 2/8/08 2:46:42 PM Grammar, Usage, and Style Tips and Strategies The English Test on the ACT and the multiple-choice part of the writing section on the SAT cover grammar, usage, and style issues building your grammar skills • Look for ways to improve your grammar and usage Ask your teacher for helpful books and other resources When you take a practice SAT or ACT test, read any explanations provided, even if you answered correctly • Read and write often Both activities improve your grammar skills For example, offer to proofread a friend’s paper and ask him or her to proofread yours When you read a newspaper or magazine, be on the lookout for errors—and for proper grammar, usage, and style • Review the Grammar Handbook Pages R50–R71 provide a handy reference along with many helpful tips when you answer questions • Know the answer format for each test Both tests may include answer choices that indicate the item in question is correct On SAT multiple-choice questions for the writing section, choice A repeats the original phrasing (Other SAT section questions include “No error” as choice E.) On the ACT, many questions have “NO CHANGE” as the first choice • Use grammar clues For fill-in-the-blank items, choose answers that match the verb tense and pronouns used in the rest of the sentence For example, if you are asked to complete the sentence, “Tomorrow he the achievement award,” you would choose will accept, not accepted or accepting • Try to formulate an answer as you read If you are asked to choose the best version of a sentence or a new part of a sentence, think about how you would write the sentence before looking at the choices Then look for a sentence similar to your answer • Choose the best answer If more than one answer seems right, choose the answer that seems clearest to you ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL54 12 2/8/08 2:46:44 PM ACT English Test Practice On the ACT, you will be asked to read certain passages and find errors in underlined sections Remember that some underlined sections will not have errors You will have a choice of “NO CHANGE” for sections that are correct as written You will also be asked general questions about each passage’s purpose and organization These questions refer to the passage as a whole, not to any one section DIRECTIONS: Read the passage and choose the answer that you think is best The Appalachian Trail Notice style and tone The answers you choose should fit the style and tone of the passage The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a marked footpath of a little over 2100 miles connecting Mt Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia The A.T itself passes through fourteen states Millions of people will have hiked part of the A.T each year Most of these people Keep reading Although each question is based on a specified part of the passage, you may need to read beyond the marked section to decide which answer is correct hike a small piece of the trail on a day hike or short trip Section hikers aim to hike the whole trail in pieces over time Thru3 hikers make up a very small portion of the people on the trail each year They attempt to hike from Georgia to Maine, or vice versa, in one season A complete thru-hike typically takes about five to seven months A B C D NO CHANGE Along the way, the path The A.T path Between the two end points, the path F NO CHANGE G will hike H hike J had hiked A NO CHANGE B sections but not in the same year C parts but each part at a different time D little bits and pieces not all at once F NO CHANGE G yet 20% finish H but hardly anybody finishes J and now it’s about 20% who complete the trail to complete In recent years, more people are attempting thru-hikes, but only about 20% complete the entire trail ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL55 13 2/8/08 2:46:46 PM Question asks about the passage as a whole The writer intends to continue the article Which sentence would make the best transition to talking about the challenges of thru-hiking the A.T.? A Care to guess why the numbers are so low? B The allure of the trail is great, but the challenges are, too C The low completion rate is indicative of the numerous rigors of the trail D That so few finish isn’t surprising given the difficulties of a thru-hike Now turn to page S7 to see how well you did SAT Multiple-Choice Writing Practice The multiple-choice questions in the writing section of the SAT are similar to the questions in the ACT English test in that they assess the same types of skills However, the SAT includes more variety in the format of questions meant to assess those skills In some questions, several parts of a sentence will be underlined You will be asked to choose the part of the sentence that contains an error If the sentence is correct, choose “No error.” In another type of question, you will be asked to choose the best wording to replace the underlined section of a sentence A third type of question asks you to read a passage Questions following the passage ask you about sentence structure, word choice, organization, or development of ideas ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL56 14 2/8/08 2:46:49 PM identifying sentence errors DIRECTIONS: Select the part of the sentence that contains an error If the sentence is correct, select choice E A B C Until we know the extent of the damage, we can not begun to determine D E when the school will reopen No error A The rail-trail committee wants to pave the section of trail from Main B C Street to Cooper Street but, it has been blocked by abutting land owners D who want to take control of the land and by conservation groups who E want to protect the wooded area No error improving sentences DIRECTIONS: Select the best answer from the choices given Most people understand the effects of gravity, but without being able to explain how it works (A) but without being able to explain how it works (B) but are being unable to explain how it works (C) though they can’t explain how it works (D) and they can’t explain how it works (E) without explaining how it works Although many people associate tomatoes with Italian cooking, tomatoes were only introduced to Italy in the sixteenth century (A) Although many people associate tomatoes with Italian cooking, tomatoes were only introduced to Italy in the sixteenth century (B) Many people associate tomatoes with Italian cooking, while tomatoes were only introduced to Italy in the sixteenth century (C) Although many people associate tomatoes with Italian cooking, they were introduced to Italy in the sixteenth century (D) Although people associate tomatoes with Italian cooking, tomatoes were not becoming introduced to Italy until recently (E) Although tomatoes were only introduced to Italy in the sixteenth century, they are associated with Italian cooking by many people ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL57 15 2/8/08 2:46:51 PM improving paragraphs DIRECTIONS: Read the passage and choose the best answer for the questions that follow (1) Zora Neal Hurston died with little fanfare in 1960 (2) She died in poverty in a nursing home and was buried in an unmarked grave (3) About a decade later, her writings were rediscovered (4) Since the 1970s, her works have grown in popularity, and her works are taught in many high school and college classes in the United States (5) How did such a change in fortune come about? Which is the best way to combine sentences and 2? (A) Zora Neal Hurston died with little fanfare in 1960 She died in poverty in a nursing home and was buried in an unmarked grave (B) Zora Neal Hurston died with little fanfare in 1960 and in poverty in a nursing home and was buried in an unmarked grave (C) In 1960, Zora Neal Hurston died and was buried in an unmarked grave (D) Zora Neal Hurston died with little fanfare in 1960, and she died in poverty in a nursing home and was buried in an unmarked grave (E) In poverty and with little fanfare in 1960, Zora Neal Hurston died in a nursing home and was buried in an unmarked grave Which of the following would be the best information to provide in the next paragraph of this essay? (A) more information about Hurston’s death (B) the cause of Hurston’s death (C) details about Hurston’s early life (D) information about Hurston’s success (E) how Hurston gained, lost and regained popularity Now turn to pages S7–S8 to see how well you did ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL58 16 2/8/08 2:46:53 PM Taking Essay Tests Essay tests assess your ability to develop a point of view on a topic and to write about it in a clear, logical manner The SAT includes an essay test The ACT includes the option of taking an essay test Knowing how to write an essay in a limited amount of time will help you on future tests and in many classes Essay tests are usually timed For the SAT, you will have 25 minutes to write your essay For the ACT, you will have 30 minutes Because time is short, you will need to manage your time carefully to complete your essay The following writing plan will help prewriting Spend about minutes thinking through your essay • Read the prompt carefully and restate it in your own words • Brainstorm ideas first, then identify the position you will take • Note reasons and examples you will use to support your position • Think of any arguments for the opposing position that you may want to address • Quickly organize your ideas by making a simple outline or by numbering your ideas in the order you will use them writing Spend about 18-20 minutes writing your essay • Create a strong introduction Consider the purpose and audience for your response State your position clearly • Develop the body of your essay Add additional paragraphs to explain and support your position Each paragraph should focus on one idea Include a strong topic sentence and supporting details for each paragraph • Write a closing paragraph that summarizes your ideas or draws a conclusion Explain why the reader should accept your solution, explanation, or argument reviewing Spend your remaining time proofreading your essay • Correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling • Change wording if you can improve your sentences or paragraphs • Make other minor additions or changes that will improve your essay ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL59 17 2/8/08 2:46:56 PM Essay Tips and Strategies Good essays have a clear point of view, use specific details and examples to support a position, are well-organized, use correct and varied sentences, use precise and varied vocabulary, and are generally free of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics Use these strategies to help you write a successful essay Building Your Writing Skills The more you write, the better prepared you will be for writing a timed essay on the SAT or ACT Take advantage of writing opportunities at school and in your community For example, most essay tests ask you to explain or defend a position Writing an editorial or a letter to the editor is good practice in this regard For a handy writing guide, use the Writing Handbook in this textbook on pages R26–R43 It provides a wealth of information about the writing process and strategies and tips for effective writing • Follow directions Read the directions carefully Find out whether you are allowed to use scrap paper or your test book to write down ideas Follow directions about where to write your essay and how long it should be • Stay on topic Read the writing prompt carefully Make sure you understand what you are being asked to take a position on Essays written off-topic generally not score well For the SAT, essays written off-topic receive a score of • Choose a specific viewpoint Many essays ask you to take a clear stand on a topic State your position in your introductory paragraph Make sure all examples and reasons are related to your point of view • Be precise Avoid generalities Use specific statistics, information, or examples For example, instead of writing “Everyone thinks going to school year-round is a bad idea,” try writing “The majority of the teachers in our district recently voted against a plan to move to a yearround school schedule.” • Choose your words carefully Use precise and varied words to convey your ideas You can vary your word choice without using complex words or words that you not know well It is better to use simple but precise words you know instead of complicated language that does not express your meaning • Write neatly Readers need to be able to understand your handwriting to score your essay Write as legibly as possible If you need to correct an error or make a change, use a single, clear line to cross out anything you want to delete Write “new text” clearly in the margin or above where the change should be inserted Follow any specific instructions given on the test for making corrections FL60 florida student guide FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL60 ACT/SAT Test Prep 18 2/8/08 2:46:59 PM ACT Essay Model ACT essay questions include prompts that describe an issue and ask you to write about your perspective Each prompt provides two perspectives You can support either perspective or take a different view The prompt below is typical of an ACT essay question Some schools are adding volunteering to the list of requirements for graduation, saying that volunteering allows students to give back to their communities while gaining hands-on experience in a number of fields Others claim that there isn’t enough time to meet academic requirements even without the volunteering requirement Do you think volunteering should be a requirement for graduation? In your essay, take a position on this question You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may take a different point of view Use specific reasons and examples to support your position State your position The essay opens with a clear statement of the writer's position Use specific examples Use specific experiences, information, or other evidence to support generalizations Write a strong conclusion Restate your position in the last paragraph of your essay Volunteering should be encouraged, but not required for graduation While volunteering offers many benefits, it should be done voluntarily and it should not overshadow academic pursuits at school Volunteering is a wonderful thing I feel good about volunteering at the local animal shelter I’ve learned about animals and am considering studying to be a veterinarian I’ve also used my computer skills to help keep records and my people skills when working with potential pet adopters I choose to volunteer, because I learn from my experience, not because I have to it for school I already have plenty to for school Studying for tests, researching papers, and keeping up with my assigned reading all take time We currently have enough academic requirements for graduation in math, science, English, social studies, health, and even physical education We don’t need another requirement Students should be able to choose what activities they outside of school Most schools make it easy for students to play sports or join clubs If schools think volunteering is important, they should help students find opportunities Encourage volunteering, but keep it voluntary After all, volunteering means giving your time and talents freely It does not mean being forced to so ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL61 19 2/8/08 2:47:01 PM Focus on the question The question at the end of the prompt is the one you must answer in your essay Make sure every part of your response relates to the question Be specific Choose examples and reasons that support your position Consider using examples and reasons to counter the opposing side of the argument, too ACT Essay Practice Some school administrators support the use of vending machines as a way to generate money for school programs Other people are concerned that the foods sold in vending machines are unhealthy and submit students to unnecessary marketing In your opinion, should high schools allow vending machines for student use? In your essay, take a position on this question You may write about either of the two points of view given, or take a different point of view Use specific reasons and examples to support your position On your own paper, write an essay in response to the question You have 30 minutes SAT Essay Model SAT essay questions also ask you to state and support a point of view The writing prompts contain excerpts and assignments asking you to take a position on the issue You must write your essay in the allotted space The prompt below is typical of an SAT essay question Be specific Choose examples and reasons that support your position Consider using examples and reasons to counter the opposing side of the argument, too Modern technology purports to bring us closer together We can move from place to place with greater ease and speed or send a message instantaneously around the globe with the push of a button Yet we often fail to communicate with the people right in front of us We chat on cell phones while our companions wait We seem to spend more time with the computer than with the ones we love Technology provides the means to communicate with others, but we still have to make the effort Adapted from Roman Urmeev, The Advancement of Isolation: Personal Technology in the 21st Century Assignment: Has modern technology improved communication? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experiences, or observations On your own paper, write an essay in response to the question You have 25 minutes ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL62 20 2/8/08 2:47:04 PM Use more than one example Provide two or three strong examples to support your main idea Address counterarguments Look at the other side of the issue In addition to supporting your position, point out weaknesses in the opposing view Modern technology has definitely improved communication People can easily communicate with people all over the world whenever it’s convenient for them Before the Internet, email, and cell phones, communication was more difficult, time consuming, and expensive Personally, I’ve found modern technology makes my life easier I can call friends from anywhere, anytime with my cell phone My phone also allows my friends to get in touch with me My mom bought me the phone to improve communication I call her if I’m going to be late, to let her know when I’ve arrived where I said I was going, or to ask for permission to go somewhere In fact, I often call my mom for a little chat or a quick question In some ways, I think I talk with my mom more than the average teen did before cell phones I also use the computer to communicate I can send instant messages to friends while doing other work I can email requests for information during off-hours when I couldn’t make a phone call Sure, some people misuse our new technology It is rude to chat on your phone while somebody is standing next to you It’s wrong to spend so much time emailing or messaging that you don’t even see your friends or family Most people I know don’t that, or don’t it too much, anyway I think the possible etiquette issues of modern communication technology are far outstripped by the benefits of fast, convenient connections SAT Essay Practice Be consistent Make sure you stick to the assigned topic Essays written on any other topic will receive a score of zero Use space wisely On the SAT, you must use only the space provided for the essay Write on every line, leave small margins, and make sure your handwriting is legible Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing Security is mostly a superstition It does not exist in nature.” Assignment: Is it better to live life as an adventure or to seek security? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experiences, or observations On your own paper, write an essay in response to the question You have 25 minutes ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL63 21 2/8/08 2:47:06 PM florida ACT/SAT Practice Answer Key with Explanations reading comprehension practice The correct answer is C The main idea of the piece is that the war affected the military and civilians in all aspects of life Some of the other choices are accurate, but answer C is best The correct answer is J “Governments Control Images of War” is focused by mentioning the role of government and broad enough that it addresses morale and censorship The correct answer is B Since the factories had been operating before the war, it is logical that they would be converted back to their original functions The correct answer is G By replacing men, women proved that they could handle any job If they had not been as productive as male workers, the war effort would have failed The correct answer is A Answers B and C are occasional effects of rationing The sentence “Under this system, people could buy only small amounts of those items that were needed for the war effort” explains the meaning The correct answer is H While women were heroes in some cases, the article refers to propaganda selling women as heroes Women were subjected to dangerous jobs, but that is a detail, not a main idea The main idea is that women helped their country in a time of need in ways they had not helped before The correct answer is A Lincoln wanted to save the Union, but he also wanted to avoid war This idea is most clearly stated in the second paragraph: “While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war .” The correct answer is A Both sides spoke out against, or denounced, war ACT/SAT PRACTICE ANSWER KEY Read all the explanations, even those for questions you answered correctly The explanations include tips that can help you when you take other tests The correct answer is D Lincoln begins by saying, “At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first.” He has less to say because people are aware of the state of the country vocabulary practice The correct answer is B Answer D better describes the beach than the discovery The other choices are inappropriate The correct answer is E Answer C does not make sense Answer D is incorrect because investigators would not work perfunctorily The second parts of the other choices not make sense ACT english test practice The correct answer is B The pronoun itself is unnecessary in the original wording The word path in answer C is redundant The correct answer is H The sentence and rest of the passage require the present tense The correct answer is A The original wording states the idea most clearly and concisely The correct answer is F The other choices are either awkward or too informal and imprecise The correct answer is D Answer B conveys the right idea, but answer D provides a smoother transition from the previous paragraph SAT multiple-choice writing practice The correct answer is C The verb form is incorrect; it should be begin The correct answer is B The comma should come before the conjunction in this sentence The correct answer is C Answers C and D are similar, but answer C correctly uses though to show a contrast act/sat pr actice answer key S7 ACT/SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE-EM-Spages.indd S7 22 2/8/08 3:25:46 PM The correct answer is A The sentence is best as written In answer B, the word while does not logically connect the two parts of the sentence The antecedent of the pronoun they is unclear in answer C The verb form were not becoming in answer D is incorrect Answer E contains passive language The correct answer is A Answers B, D and E have misplaced phrases that make them awkward or confusing Answer C does not provide the necessary context to understand the rest of the passage The correct answer is E The paragraph asks about the rise of Zora Neal Hurston’s popularity after her works were virtually ignored for many years It makes the most sense to talk about the process of her rediscovery: how she gained initial success, then fell from public notice before being rediscovered, in that order ACT essay practice Practice Essay Model In my opinion, vending machines more good than harm and should be allowed in schools Schools are always in need of money, and if vending machines provide that, why keep them out? Students benefit from a variety of school programs, including extracurricular activities, field trips, and special in-school programs They also benefit from having adequate resources such as up-todate materials in the library If money from vending machines helps schools provide these resources, then vending machines are a boon to the school Some people disagree They think that vending machines give students easy access to foods they shouldn’t be eating One response to this is to stock only healthy foods: bottled water instead of soda, yogurt instead of candy bars This plan, however, may defeat the purpose If students really want junk food, they will likely bypass the vending machine Having healthy options is wise, but if the machines are there to generate money, the most popular S8 act/sat pr actice answer key FL_L11PE-EM-Spages.indd S8 items must be stocked The best way to determine this is through a student poll or through a test run with both types of products Part of the reason schools get money is because they are marketing products Schools may be able to minimize the impact of the marketing by using more generic vending machines or by having restrictions on the lighting or size of logos on the machines We are bombarded with marketing everywhere else we turn, from TV to the Internet to the city streets Is it so terrible to have it in schools, too? If schools did not get anything from vending machines, I would be less convinced that they belong in schools Since schools may make thousands of dollars a year off contracts with soft drink and snack companies, I think the benefit is worth the price For schools concerned with students’ health, offering a variety of foods, including healthy options, seems like a fair compromise SAT essay practice Practice Essay Model I agree with Helen Keller that “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing Security is mostly a superstition It does not exist in nature.” Worrying too much about what might happen to us simply hampers our ability to live life to the fullest Taking risks and pushing ourselves beyond our limits is what makes us grow For example, I’m afraid of heights and ladders At the beginning of the year, my soccer team did a ropes course to help us learn to work together, and to get us to personally stretch beyond what we thought we could The last activity involved climbing a ladder thirty-five feet up to a small platform From there, you walk across a rope bridge to another platform at the end Looking up I thought, “There’s no way can I this.” If I lived a life of security, I would have dropped out Instead, I embraced the “daring adventure.” It seemed to take forever to get to the top of the ladder I stopped once, paralyzed with fear, but my teammates urged me on from above and below The instructor reminded me that I had safety equipment ACT/SAT Test Prep 23 2/8/08 3:25:48 PM florida ACT/SAT PRACTICE ANSWER KEY on in case I slipped I took a deep breath and kept going I f inally made it across I was trembling and practically crying when I stepped onto the other platform, but I was proud of myself As my example shows, being daring doesn’t necessarily mean taking foolish risks I had safety equipment, but I still had to step outside my comfort zone Going beyond our feelings of security makes life an adventure that challenges and rewards us When I look back on my life, I don’t want to regret things I didn’t because I was too scared At the same time, I don’t want my life cut short by a stupid risk For me, there is a balance between taking a risk that I will grow from and taking a risk just to take it When a risk seems worthy, I may take some steps to protect myself, but I will continue to dare to take risks and enjoy the adventure of my life ACT/SAT Test Prep 24 act/sat pr actice answer key S9 FL_L11PE-EM-Spages.indd S9 2/8/08 3:25:49 PM [...]... newspaper or magazine, be on the lookout for errors—and for proper grammar, usage, and style • Review the Grammar Handbook Pages R50–R71 provide a handy reference along with many helpful tips when you answer questions • Know the answer format for each test Both tests may include answer choices that indicate the item in question is correct On SAT multiple-choice questions for the writing section, choice A... given the difficulties of a thru-hike Now turn to page S7 to see how well you did SAT Multiple-Choice Writing Practice The multiple-choice questions in the writing section of the SAT are similar to the questions in the ACT English test in that they assess the same types of skills However, the SAT includes more variety in the format of questions meant to assess those skills In some questions, several parts... you will be for writing a timed essay on the SAT or ACT Take advantage of writing opportunities at school and in your community For example, most essay tests ask you to explain or defend a position Writing an editorial or a letter to the editor is good practice in this regard For a handy writing guide, use the Writing Handbook in this textbook on pages R26–R43 It provides a wealth of information about... adopters I choose to volunteer, because I learn from my experience, not because I have to do it for school I already have plenty to do for school Studying for tests, researching papers, and keeping up with my assigned reading all take time We currently have enough academic requirements for graduation in math, science, English, social studies, health, and even physical education We don’t need another requirement... arrived where I said I was going, or to ask for permission to go somewhere In fact, I often call my mom for a little chat or a quick question In some ways, I think I talk with my mom more than the average teen did before cell phones I also use the computer to communicate I can send instant messages to friends while doing other work I can email requests for information during off-hours when I couldn’t... transition from the previous paragraph SAT multiple-choice writing practice 1 The correct answer is C The verb form is incorrect; it should be begin 2 The correct answer is B The comma should come before the conjunction in this sentence 3 The correct answer is C Answers C and D are similar, but answer C correctly uses though to show a contrast act /sat pr actice answer key S7 ACT /SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE-EM-Spages.indd... on a topic and to write about it in a clear, logical manner The SAT includes an essay test The ACT includes the option of taking an essay test Knowing how to write an essay in a limited amount of time will help you on future tests and in many classes Essay tests are usually timed For the SAT, you will have 25 minutes to write your essay For the ACT, you will have 30 minutes Because time is short, you... examined the scene for pieces of evidence (A) doggedly superfluous (B) scrupulously obvious (C) scurrilously anticipated (D) perfunctorily essential (E) meticulously minute ACT /SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd FL53 11 2/8/08 2:46:42 PM Grammar, Usage, and Style Tips and Strategies The English Test on the ACT and the multiple-choice part of the writing section on the SAT cover grammar,... generally do not score well For the SAT, essays written off-topic receive a score of 0 • Choose a specific viewpoint Many essays ask you to take a clear stand on a topic State your position in your introductory paragraph Make sure all examples and reasons are related to your point of view • Be precise Avoid generalities Use specific statistics, information, or examples For example, instead of writing... accepted or accepting • Try to formulate an answer as you read If you are asked to choose the best version of a sentence or a new part of a sentence, think about how you would write the sentence before looking at the choices Then look for a sentence similar to your answer • Choose the best answer If more than one answer seems right, choose the answer that seems clearest to you ACT /SAT Test Prep FL_L11PE_FM_38-64.indd