Basic Grammar Rules for the ACT/SAT

It is important that you understand how to properly combine independent clauses because punctuation can play a key role in defining the meaning of a sentence. A) Use a comma to separate independent clauses when you use a coordinating conjunction. (and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet) B) Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses[…]

Grammar Rules and Practice

Instructions: Read each rule and correct the sentences that follow.   1. The subject of the sentence must answer the question posed by the introductory aside. -On his way to tutoring, Sarah received a call from Jake. -Enjoying riding on the beach rather than in the country, horseback riding was loved by Samantha. -Featuring a[…]

SAT/ACT Grammar Review

Some verbs can only be followed by a gerund (ing words)  Admit Escape Put off Tolerate Appreciate Finish Quit Avoid Imagine Recall Deny Miss Resist Discuss Postpone Risk Enjoy Practice Suggest Explanation: It is fine to say…He can resist eating. It is wrong to say…He can resist to eat It is fine to say…I enjoy[…]

Quick and Easy ACT Hints

Look for contrast words When all answers are grammatically correct, look for meaning. Do you need 2 full sentences? Look for shortest possible answer “:” is for a list or definition Be careful about verb matching/parallel structure Each-singular Possessive or not It’s=it is Its possessive. The Dog chews its bone. There are 3 ways to[…]

Essential Grammar for the SAT and ACT

1. Ignore prepositional phrases when matching subject and verb a. CORRECT- The class of students is excellent. -Here, “class” is the subject. Since class is singular, it requires a singular verb. -Ignore (of students). b. INCORRECT- The group of athletes are applying to Ivy League schools -Group is the subject (singular) CORRECT- The group of[…]

SAT Math Quiz

Prepare for the SAT Math Section with these practice questions. Shira buys and sells hair clips. In January, she makes $750.00. If she buys the clips for $.08 and sells them for $2.10, how many did she sell?   Yoel buys computers and cameras from a distributor. He spends $7500 on cameras and buys twice[…]

Redesigned SAT Tips

SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing The SAT is changing. Underlining as you read is a key strategy on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing Section. Follow these tips to make sure you underline the right key words. Descriptive words &  negation Transition words-however, yet, indeed, although, even though, instead, still, though, & whereas[…]

SAT Reading Hints

Look for time elements ·        Now looking back on the past ·        Before vs Now ·        Change over time Is the passage feelings based or rationality based? What is the author’s lens? Are effects described auditory, visual, or related to feeling? Thoughts versus action? What is the author’s focus? Is the passage based on reality[…]

Latin Phrases High School Students Should Know

These Latin phrases are definitely useful phrases to know! Latin Phrases High School Students Should Know Ex post After the fact Persona non grata An unwelcome person Ex ante Before the fact Carpe diem Seize the day/of the day A posteriori Relating to observed facts Dues ex machina From Gd, Machine Ceteris paribus Holding all[…]

New SAT Reading Test Vocab List

Check out this new list to improve your vocab for the SAT Reading Test! Anachronistic Out of place in a historical time period Pedantic Talking down to Qualify a claim State the limitations Vindicate To clear from blame Repudiate To reject Disseminate To handout Diatribe Bossy/ranting speech Extol To praise Profligacy Indecent Curtail To shorten[…]