One of the most anticipated changes coming to the new SAT in 2016 is a revamped Reading section. Particularly notable among the changes is the de-emphasis on obscure vocabulary and an increased focus on context, evidence, and analysis. In an attempt to mimic real-life learning scenarios, all questions will now be based on provided passages of text. Additionally, at least one of the passages on each test will include data presented in the form of charts, graphs, and tables. Here are some strategies to help you prepare for success when it comes to these new informational graphic-based questions.
Read Periodicals
If you’re looking for informational graphics to analyze, one option is to spend some serious time pouring over your favorite science textbook. Or, you could head to the newsstand. Informational graphics are standard fare when it comes to newspapers and news magazines. Whether you’re drawn to USA Today or The New York Times, one of your very best strategies is to take time daily to read one of the many articles that include charts and graphs. As you read, ask yourself what conclusions the graphics are trying to help you reach. Look for relationships in the data and consider how they support the information presented in the articles themselves.
Do Practice Questions From Multiple Sources
The types of charts presented in the test can vary widely, from fairly typical tables to highly unique and situation-specific graphics. Completing multiple practice Reading Tests will help you become more familiar with the types of informational graphics you may encounter and hone your ability to draw correct answers from them.
Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks to being one of the first classes to complete the new SAT is the somewhat limited availability of really good practice materials. If you’re looking to extend your preparation, consider pulling practice questions from other standardized tests. For example, the ACT science section is strikingly similar to the new SAT Reading Test, making it a great resource for practicing interpreting graphics. If you’re feeling ambitious, you may even want to try a few LSAT logical reasoning practice questions.
Start With the Graphics
Finally, when it’s time to actually take the test, make looking at the informational graphics a priority. If a question includes a graphic, start there. Don’t spend too much time trying to understand everything that’s presented, though. Instead, take a peek at the labels and look for any obvious trends. This will give you a pretty good idea of what the subject matter is and what relationships you’ll be analyzing as you begin going through the text, making it possible to skim the passage more efficiently.
It used to be that spending hours flipping wildly through vocabulary flashcards was the best way to prepare for the SAT Reading Test. That’s no longer the case. When the new SAT debuts, your ability to interpret informational graphics will matter much more than your ability to define words in a vacuum. Thankfully, by incorporating these strategies into your test preparation you can be ready to tackle this new aspect of the test with confidence.