Arguably, our society places too much emphasis on standardized tests. Many students receive good grades but are poor test-takers, and the opposite is just as true. However, such exams continue to follow us from our first school days through advanced academia. Everyone is familiar with the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which many colleges require for admission. A lot of private secondary schools also have entrance exams, known as SSATs (Secondary School Admissions Tests) or ISEEs (Independent School Entrance Exams). On a more rudimentary level, these tests are similar in content to the SAT’s; they are divided into math and verbal sections. This article will list test-taking tips for the verbal section of the SSAT.
Students will have two and a half hours in which to complete six separate sections, not necessarily in this order- Verbal, which consists of 30 word analogies and 30 synonyms; Reading, which consists of 40 questions based on short passages; Writing, for which students compose an approximately two-page essay based on a passage or quote; Math, which consists of two 25-question sections, and an experimental section. 25 minutes are allotted for each section (Summit, 5).
A strong vocabulary will serve students well in tackling the verbal, reading and writing sections. A number of books promise to “boost your vocabulary in 60 days,” some making the same promise for half the time. But in truth, a solid vocabulary takes years to build. A much better strategy than trying to cram thousands of words into one’s head in a couple of months is to study lists of prefixes and word roots. Thousands of difficult words can be deciphered merely by memorizing 25 or 30 common roots. Some dictionaries have such supplements, and the local library likely has a plethora of books on etymology. The Internet also has a lot of resources, but verifying the credentials of the web sites’ creators can be difficult. Using web sites sponsored by colleges or universities is best.
The best way to prepare for the Reading section of the SSAT is for students to practice with newspaper and magazine articles- letters, editorials, features, news items, etcetera. Prior to doing this, students should come up with a list of questions to ask, questions which mirror the types that they will be asked on the SSAT. What is the topic of this article? Who are the main people about which the author is writing? Is this opinion, hard news, or a feature story? What kind of feelings does the article evoke? When preparing for the SAT years later, students may encounter the term “critical reading,” which means actively reading the article, anticipating what the author is going to say next, and asking questions while reading (A Plus).
Preparing for the Writing section of the SSAT presents special challenges because students do not know on which topic they will be asked to write. The quote or brief passage cited prompts students to either agree, disagree or present both sides, and give two or three supporting examples. Classic literature and major historical events are rife with themes, morals and ideals that can be tailored to fit most any given quote, e.g. the Bible, Shakespeare, the Civil and Second World wars. By brainstorming a list of books read and historical events studied, students can be better prepared.
Finally, haphazard guessing is counterproductive. One point is awarded for each correct answer, and one-quarter point is subtracted for each wrong answer. With the exception of the Writing section, the entire SSAT consists of multiple choice questions, and students must select either A, B, C, D or E. If they can eliminate at least two choices, then they should guess, but if they are unable to eliminate any, then they should skip the question.
Sources
A Plus Tutoring and Test Prep, Instructor’s Guide. Jenkintown, PA: A Plus Tutoring and
Test Prep, n.d.
SSAT/ISEE Course Book Teacher’s Edition. Watertown, MD: Summit Educational Group,
Inc., n.d.
