SAT Writing Skills

Grade: 10
SOC 440 SAT Writing Skills
credit
4 days per week; First semester
Taught in English
Students will understand why universities ask for the SAT and how this exam becomes
one of the factors that determine college admission. The primary goal of this course is to
familiarize students with the format of the test (s) they will be taking. The active
participation of students will make them confident test takers and hopefully lead them to earn
higher scores. Class time will be spend learning, practicing and applying various tests taking
strategies designed specifically to improve SAT .
Benchmark Code Subject: SAT Writing Skills = SAT
Strand 1 = Introduction to SAT
Strand 2 = SAT Sections
Code: Subject.Grade.Strand#.Standard#. Benchmark#
Example: SAT.10.1.4.3 SAT Writing Skills, Tenth Grade, Strand 2, Standard 4,
Benchmark 3

Strand 1 Introduction to SAT

Standard 1: Introducing SAT. The student learns that SAT has eight types of questions in
sections of critical reading, writing, math, and a variable section that is used to help make sure
that the students scores are comparable to scores on other editions of the SAT.
Benchmark Code Benchmark
SAT.10.1.1.1 The student will learn what PSAT/NMSQT is.
SAT.10.1.1.2 The student will learn how to organize their practice and preparation long
before they take the SAT, and also review approaches before and during
the test.
Strand 2 SAT Sections
Standard 1: Critical Reading Section. The student learns that reading skills are fundamental
reading blocks of academic success. The student also learns that the Critical Reading Section of
the SAT test students abilities to read carefully and to think about what they have read.
Benchmark Code Benchmark
SAT.10.2.l.1 The student will identify and analyze sentence completion questions and
familiarize with the directions that will appear on the test. The student will
review approaches and practice transitional words for answering sentence
completion questions.
SAT.10.2.1.2 The student will identify, analyze, and discuss the types of passages and
questions that appear on the test. The student will practice using key words
and phrases within the passages and questions.
SAT.10.2.1.3 The student will improve their reading comprehension.
The student will learn to identify the keys and main ideas in a passage.
The student will compare and analyze the writing styles of different
passages.
 SAT.10.2.1.4 The student will identify, reinforce and practice vocabulary in context and
literal comprehension. The student will learn and develop awareness of
words that have several meanings, and they will practice using the same
word in different ways.
SAT.10.2.1.5 The student will learn how to answer Extended Reasoning Questions. The
student will identify and recognize the difference between facts and opinions.
The student will identify and analyze supporting evidence, and draw
inferences appropriately.
Standard 2: The Writing Section. The student learns the characteristics of effective writing
needed for success in college and the workplace. The student demonstrates the writing skills
he/she has developed through high school course work, particularly in English class, and
through writing outside the school.
Benchmark Code Benchmark
SAT.10.2.2.1 The student will identify sentence errors and the directions that
appear on the test. The student will practice with sample questions
similar to ones that will appear on the test.
SAT.10.2.2.2 The student will identify, reinforce and practice the basic sentence
elements. (Use verbs appropriately, idioms, advanced grammar,
passive and active voice, concrete and abstract ideas, dangling
participles, wordiness, and parallelism among others.)
SAT.10.2.2.3 The student will learn to identify various types of misplaced
sentence parts such as poorly placed modifiers and adjective clauses.
SAT.10.2.2.4 The student will learn how to improve sentences by writing those
correctly using coordinating conjunctions and subordination in their
sentences. The student will review, describe and analyze simple
questions, explanations and answers to get familiar with this type of
question.
SAT.10.2.2.5 The student will learn and practice improving paragraphs questions
and directions. The student will develop different approaches to
answer this type of question. The student will learn when to add text
that will clarify or further support the main idea.
SAT.10.2.2.6 The student will learn that careful revisions can improve a passage.
The student will practice improving passages by simultaneously
adding, deleting, or changing text.
Standard 3: The Essay. The student learns to write to write an essay effectively emphasizing
precise language, logical presentation of ideas, developing a point of view, clarity and
expression.
Benchmark Code Benchmark
SAT.10.2.3.1 The student will learn the scoring guide and the criteria for each
point. The student will read, identify and analyze prompt sample
essays, student-written exemplars, and will practice essay rating.
SAT.10.2.3.2 The student will practice writing essays that address topics in the
prompt regarding personal experience, observations, current or
recent news events, literature, history, sports and activities, the arts,
science and technology among others.
SAT.10.2.3.3 The student will practice different styles of writing. The student
will practice using different types of formats such as journals,
articles and letters.
 Standard 4: Student- Produced Response Questions. The student learns that the SAT has 10
student-produced response or grid-in questions that require the same math skills and reasoning
abilities as the multiple choice questions.
Benchmark Code Benchmark
SAT.10.2.4.1 The student will practice how to answer student-response questions
on the SAT. The student will answer sample questions and practice
on line sat web.
SAT.10.2.4.2 The student will practice how to answer student-response questions
on the SAT. The student will answer sample questions and practice
on line sat web.
Standard 5: Vocabulary Building. The student learns that strong vocabulary is a key part of
their success. The student reads as much as he/she can and develops an interest in words.
SAT.10.2.5.1 The student will learn to make educated guesses at unfamiliar
words. The student will learn, identify and apply Greek, Latin roots
and prefixes.
SAT.10.2.5.2 The student will expand his/her English vocabulary by using words
the/she already knows from other languages he/she already speaks
or is studying. The student will apply and use Latin prefixes and
suffixes. The student will recognize and use Spanish-English
cognates.
SAT. 10.2.5.3 The student will learn 400 new vocabulary words. The student will
create new sentences using vocabulary in context, apply and use
them in reflective essays, journals etc. The student will identify
his/her synonyms and antonyms, as well as spelling and
pronunciation.