Hey guys, quick question. I've heard from some people that it's really important to learn a bunch of 'SAT words' for the test, but others say it's not necessary anymore. So, what's the real deal here? Should I be cramming vocab flashcards over here?
The shift toward the SAT's current format that happened in 2016 significantly de-emphasized the old notion of 'SAT words'. On the previous format of the test, there were direct questions that required you to know the definition of less-common words. However, with the evolution of the test, the importance of rote memorization of high-level vocabulary has decreased.
That said, having a solid vocabulary can never hurt. It could help in reading comprehension, particularly when encountering more challenging passages. It's most likely that you'll encounter difficult vocab in the context of reading passages, rather than as explicit "what does this word mean?" questions. So, reading widely in preparation for the SAT - quality journalism, literary fiction, scientific articles, historical documents - can help build your vocabulary in a more natural and sustainable way.
In summary, cramming vocab flashcards might not be the best use of your time, and it's likely more efficient to build vocabulary naturally through consistent reading of a variety of sources. Practicing your reading comprehension with a focus on context clues will benefit you far more than memorizing vocabulary in isolation. And remember, the SAT is primarily a test to measure your readiness for college, so developing these skills will serve you well beyond the exam.
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