How to Improve Your SAT Vocabulary Skills
The SAT's emphasis on vocabulary isn't as strong as it once was, but good SAT vocabulary skills will still help you earn a high score on the SAT.
Learn SAT Vocabulary in Context
The best way to improve your SAT vocabulary skills is to read SAT-level material like The Wall Street Journal or your favorite novel. As you read, follow these steps:
- When you come across a word you don't know, pause.
- Write down the word.
- Look up the word's definition, and write down the definition.
- Make a mental note about how the your newly learned word was used.
- Continue reading, and repeat steps 1-4 for any other new words.
As you are finding words while you read, you'll be amazed at how many unfamiliar words you come across! By following the above method you'll retain SAT vocabulary words much better than if you were to memorize words from a list. Reading will also help you prepare for SAT reading comprehension, which comprises the bulk of yourSAT Critical Reading section score.
Learn Words from SAT Vocabulary List
Although learning SAT vocabulary in context is the best way to learn words, some might not have enough time to read a lot. In this case, learning vocabulary in from a list is the best way. Learning from a list is the quickest way to improve SAT vocabulary.
Here's a weekly routine to learn words from a list:
| Day 1-2 | Study 30-50 words a day. |
| Day 3 | Don't try to learn any new words. Review the words you went over the past two days. |
| Day 4-5 | Study 30-50 words a day. |
| Day 6 | Don't try to learn any new words. Review the words you went over this week. |
| Day 7 | Take a break. |
If you follow this routine, by one month you'll have memorized about 800 words! The hardest part of learning SAT vocabulary from a word list is that it can get pretty boring. Try to mix it up your routine with flash cards or try to do useful vocabulary exercises from SAT practice books.
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