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SAT Vocabulary: 100+ Essential Words to Know

Master 100+ essential SAT vocabulary words

12 min read

Introduction to SAT Vocabulary

The SAT includes 2 hours 14 minutes of testing time. Reading and Writing are two 32 minute modules of 27 questions. Vocabulary is a significant part of this section. Students need to know 100+ essential words to improve their score.

Understanding Word Context

The SAT tests vocabulary in context. This means students need to understand how words are used in sentences. 40% of Reading questions are about understanding the meaning of words. Practice reading passages with challenging vocabulary to improve comprehension.

Top 10 SAT Vocabulary Words

Some essential words to know include: persuade, analyze, infer, tone, context, ambiguous, synonymous, contrast, summarize, and paraphrase. Mastering these words can help students answer 10-15 questions correctly. This can increase their score by 100-200 points.

Building Vocabulary

To build vocabulary, students should read books and articles with challenging words. They can also use flashcards to memorize new words. The tradeoff is that this requires 30 minutes of daily practice. However, it can lead to a significant improvement in scores over time. The goal is to learn 10 new words every week.

Vocabulary Practice Tips

Students can practice vocabulary by taking online quizzes or using mobile apps. They can also practice with sample SAT questions. The Digital SAT is section adaptive, so a strong vocabulary can help students get a harder second module. This increases their chances of getting a higher score. Students should focus on learning word meanings and contexts rather than just memorizing words.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Learning 100+ essential SAT vocabulary words takes time and practice. Students need to start practicing at least 6 months before the test date. They can begin by learning 10 new words every week and practicing with sample questions. This will help them improve their score and increase their chances of getting into a good college. The SAT score range is 400 to 1600, with each section scored from 200 to 800.

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