Welcome
to
SAT VERBAL
With
Mr. Calabrese
SAT Verbal
Course Goals:
The first goal is to
aid students in reviewing for the SAT test - verbal section. Students
study strategies and apply them to real SAT tests. They then analyze
their results carefully and build personalized "gameplans" for taking the
test in the future. They also compose, give and take their own tests and
work with SAT software.
The second goal is to improve
vocabulary. Because vocabulary is such a pivotal factor in SAT preparation,
students compile a vocabulary notebook, present new vocabulary to the class
each week, and compose an ongoing vocabulary story as the course progresses.
The results of their endeavors can be seen by clicking on the button below.
"Doing
Words" - Vocabulary Link :
Check
It Out by Double-Clicking Here! 
In addition, students
work with the 30 Days to a more Powerful Vocabulary text and study
prefixes, roots and suffixes in detail.
The
third goal is to enhance critical reading skills. Students read
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of thte Ring and various other SAT
- related types of text. Students then compose, answer and discuss SAT
critical reading - type questions based on their reading. They also write
a researched opinion paper relating to a theme of the book. The focus is
on reading for understanding.
Lord
of the Rings related Links
1. 
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The
fourth goal is to have students build two data bases to help
them succeed in their future SAT Verbal endeavors - a class SAT Verbal
Preparation Study Guide that incorporates all of the best strategies and
tips that they've learned in the course of the semester and the hyperlinks
below that provide easy access to supplemental material.
SAT
Preparation Links:
1.
SAT Set Up and Various Tips
2.
Website of the College Board
3.
Practice SAT Questions
4.
Strategies and Vocabulary Help
5.
Critical Reading Tips
Weekly
Schedule:
Monday: SAT testing and
analysis
Tuesday: SAT tips group
work and class
presentations
Wednesday: Vocabulary
analysis and
inculcation activities
Thursday: Reading comprehension
activities
Friday: Tips and Vocabulary
testing and
use of Computer materials
ImportantClass
Documents
Graded
Activities:
% of grade depends on
amount of time spent on each of the following:
SAT- taking homework/
SAT tips homework / SAT tips group work/ SAT tips presentations/ Vocabulary
homework/ Vocabulary tips group work/ Vocabulary tips presentations/ Class
participation/ Portfolios/ Testing/ Computer work on software and web site
materials
Rubric
Issues:
Oral Presentations:
detail/ clarity/ originality/
topic coverage/ use of models/ accessibility to the class
Homework:
effort shown/ detail/
usefulness/ topic coverage
Group work:
pursuing interesting,
usable material/ working consistently to be clear and accurate/ initiating
discussion of significant points/ being sensitive to others/ using time
effectively and efficiently/ listening attentively and responds energetically/
seeking ways to achieve group goals
Class Participation:
coming prepared/ paying
attention/ behaving/ listening/ contributing
Portfolios:
neatness/ organization/
completeness/ quality of individual items
Vocabulary Tests:
clear, accurate, specific
definitions/ meaningful sentences that provide clues to the exact meaning
of the word/ appropriate and effective "doing words" selections
Tips Tests:
on strategy questions
- appropriate, detailed information that specifically addresses the question
asked/ on actual SAT questions - clear, accurate, detailed explanations
of the rationale behind choosing specific answers
Writing:
Prework/ Revision/ Editing/
Research/ Content/ Structure/ Originality
Questions,
Comments or Suggestions: jcala@rcn.com
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