SAT Vocabulary - Effective Learning Techniques?

What's up folks! I've heard that vocabulary is quite important for the SAT reading and writing sections. Any advice on resources or strategies to learn and retain SAT vocabulary most effectively? Flashcards? Apps? Thank you!

Hi there! Yes, you're right, a strong vocabulary can be a major asset when tackling the SAT reading and writing sections. There are several strategies you can employ for effective learning.

Flashcards: Traditional but effective. You might consider a system like the Leitner system, where you sort cards based on how well you understand them. This way, you're reviewing harder words more often and easier ones less often.

Apps: Vocabulary.com and Magoosh's Vocabulary Builder are both great options. They provide necessary context for each word and help you learn based on spaced repetition, which is scientifically proven to improve retention.

Reading: This is one of the best ways to learn vocabulary. You're not only learning new words but also seeing these words used in context, which aids in understanding. Higher level texts, and even SAT passages themselves, can be great sources of vocabulary.

Practice Tests: These can highlight the words you're unfamiliar with. Take note of these words and learn their meanings. It helps to also consider their synonyms, as the SAT often uses words that mean the same thing but aren't used as commonly in everyday conversation.

Lastly, the key to retention is consistent practice. Incorporate new words into your own vocabulary by trying to use them in your writing or casual conversation. This way, you're not just memorizing, but also understanding usage. Happy studying!