On the 2019 SAT, one question stumped nearly every test-taker. The question, which appeared on the Reading section, asked students to identify the main idea of a passage about the history of the internet. The correct answer was “The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information,” but only 23% of students chose this option.
Why Did So Many Students Get It Wrong?
There are a few reasons why so many students got this question wrong. First, the passage was relatively long and complex, and many students may not have had enough time to read it carefully. Second, the question itself was somewhat ambiguous, and it was not clear what the “main idea” of the passage was. Finally, many students may have been unfamiliar with the topic of the passage, which made it difficult for them to understand the main points.
What Can We Learn from This Question?
This question can teach us a few important things about the SAT. First, it shows that the SAT is a challenging test that requires students to have a strong reading comprehension skills. Second, it shows that the SAT can be unpredictable, and that students need to be prepared for anything on test day. Finally, it shows that it is important for students to be familiar with a wide range of topics, as this can help them to do well on the SAT.
How Can We Help Students Do Better on the SAT?
There are a few things that parents and educators can do to help students do better on the SAT. First, they can help students to develop strong reading comprehension skills. This can be done by encouraging students to read widely and by discussing what they have read with them. Second, they can help students to become familiar with a wide range of topics. This can be done by exposing students to different cultures and by encouraging them to explore their interests.
Conclusion
The SAT is a challenging test, but it is possible to do well on it with the right preparation. By understanding the types of questions that are on the SAT and by developing strong reading comprehension skills, students can increase their chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the SAT?
A: The SAT is a standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States.
Q: What is the Reading section of the SAT like?
A: The Reading section of the SAT consists of 52 multiple-choice questions that are based on four passages. The passages are typically about 500-750 words long and cover a variety of topics.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for the SAT?
A: The best way to prepare for the SAT is to practice taking practice tests. Practice tests can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to develop a strategy for taking the test.
Q: What score should I aim for on the SAT?
A: The average score on the SAT is 1060. A score of 1200 or higher is considered to be good.
Q: What if I don’t do well on the SAT?
A: If you don’t do well on the SAT, there are other ways to get into college. You can apply to schools that don’t require the SAT or you can take the ACT instead.
