With the recent launch of the digital SAT in early 2023 internationally and its upcoming availability in the US in 2024, students are now faced with a fresh set of challenges.
For the uninitiated, one notable change in this revised format is the increased emphasis on Digital SAT vocabulary test. It is no news that vocabulary plays a pivotal role in comprehension as well as critical thinking. This means it is high time for you to equip yourself with the necessary tools to crack this aspect of the examination.
This is when a big question arises – how can you prepare yourself for a journey of word mastery?
In this blog, we will learn some effective strategies and resources that will help you navigate the expanded Digital SAT vocabulary questions with utmost confidence & acquire the results you desire.
So, are you ready to unravel the secrets to unlock success in the digital SAT vocabulary section? But first, let us start with some basics!
What is Digital SAT & What are the Major Changes?
The Digital SAT is the new format of the SAT exam introduced by the College Board. Starting in spring 2024 in the United States and spring 2023 for international students, the SAT will be administered on a computer instead of the traditional pencil-and-paper format. This transition to a digital format brings several changes to the test experience.
Out of many changes, one is its computer adaptive nature. Also, each student will receive a customized test based on their performance. In addition to this, the difficulty of the questions in the second section will depend on how well they performed in the first section. Harder questions will be worth more points, allowing students to maximize their scoring opportunities by performing well initially.
The significant change has to be a partially adaptive format, ensuring that the content is tailored to each student’s previous responses.
Additionally, the revised examination consists of two modules:
- One that remains static (reflecting the current model where all students receive identical questions)
- The second module that presents different questions based on individual performance.
Undoubtedly, cracking the new digital SAT is tough. You may need the guidance of the right tutors throughout test preparation. Along with that, the tips in the next section will also help you.
How to Prepare For Digital SAT Vocabulary Questions?
Here are ten things you must do while preparing for your Digital SAT vocabulary questions:
1. Start early & be consistent:
Like the old saying, the beginning is always today. It is no news that building a strong vocabulary takes time as well as consistent effort. So, the very first tip for you is to not wait until the last minute to begin studying. In simpler words, start as early as possible and allocate regular study sessions to focus on vocabulary improvement. Just start TODAY!
2. Read extensively:
Without any doubt, reading is one of the excellent ways to expand your Digital SAT vocabulary. So, the second thing you should do is read a variety of materials including books, newspapers, magazines, online articles and more.
Needless to say, pick subjects that not just interest you but also challenge you with new vocabulary.
Also, whenever you come across unfamiliar words, do not forget to understand their meanings in context. Keep a dictionary with you when you read so that you can look difficult words up in it right away. Pay attention to how the words are used in sentences to better grasp their nuances as well as connotations.
3. Create a Digital SAT vocabulary journal:
The next important thing is keep a dedicated notebook or digital document to record new words you encounter during your reading or daily life.
All you need to do is include the word, its definition, and an example sentence to help reinforce its usage. Additionally, review your vocabulary journal on a regular basis to reinforce your learning and refresh your memory.
4. Use flashcards:
Not many know that flashcards are a popular and effective tool for Digital SAT vocabulary study. Creating physical flashcards or using digital platforms can benefit you in several ways. Just write the word on one side and the definition on the other and review those flashcards daily, testing yourself on the meanings of the words. Plus, you can also create flashcards with example sentences to understand the word in context.
5. Practice with word games & puzzles:
You can also indulge in fun games. Playing word games and puzzles can make learning Digital SAT vocabulary more enjoyable. Crossword puzzles, word search, Scrabble, or word association games are also some interesting options to help you reinforce your understanding of words along with their connections.
6. Explore vocabulary-building resources:
Take advantage of Digital SAT vocabulary-building resources available online or in books. Digital SAT Vocabulary workbooks, online courses, and mobile apps like Magoosh Vocabulary Builder or WordUp Vocabulary provide structured lessons and exercises to help you expand your word knowledge. These resources often categorize words by themes or difficulty levels, allowing you to focus on specific areas of improvement.
7. Use mnemonic techniques:
Mnemonics is again an effective strategy that will help you to remember difficult words or their meanings. You can either create associations or vivid mental images that connect the word to its definition. Say, for instance, to remember the word “gregarious” (which means sociable), imagine a group of friendly and talkative people gathering around a campfire.
8. Engage in conversations & discussions:
If you are a shy person, try to come a little out of your comfort zone. Try to actively participate in conversations as well as discussions where you can use and encounter new words.
Not to forget, engaging in intellectual conversations, joining book clubs, or participating in debate teams can expose you to a variety of vocabulary, thereby helping you understand how words are used in different contexts.
9. Practice context-based questions:
For the uninitiated, SAT tests your ability to understand words in context. So, it is important to practice answering questions where you need to determine the meaning of a word based on the clues provided in the sentence or passage. Look for contextual hints, such as the tone, the relationship between ideas, or the overall message conveyed, to infer the meaning of the word.
10. Review & revise regularly:
Last but not least, you should always remember that Digital SAT vocabulary learning is an ongoing process. So, always set aside time for regular review of previously learned words to ensure they stay in your long-term memory. Continuously expose yourself to new reading materials to encounter unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary further.
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Bottom Line
We hope the tips we discussed in this blog make your preparation for Digital SAT vocabulary questions easier.
And, if you still find it difficult or think you need expert guidance, you can rely on the Litera Centre. It is one of the top-notch online education platforms that helps students across India to prepare and succeed in several examinations like IB, IGCSE, SAT, and more.
All that said, all the very best for your SAT exam!