A typical incorrect SAT reading answer? One that says everything is the same or that everyone is in agreement. There's nothing interesting in homogeneity. Critical thinking is all about recognizing and understanding difference, friction and tension between things and ideas.

I'm launching a brand new workshop to help students get ready for the SAT and college-level coursework. Visit akpacademics.com/sat-workshop for more information or to register!

I'm planning some new stuff for the October SAT! Visit the updated website for more information!

akpacademics.com

Some thoughts on how trauma interferes with learning and executive functioning.

‪I understand why the SAT moved to shorter passages on the digital version, but I think students miss out not having longer reading passages. The information they interact with in the world should not come only in sound bites. Here, John Hossack argues against the Fugitive Slave Act. (Oct 2020 SAT)

Trauma interferes with our ability to take in new information and think critically about it. Empathy, on the other hand, enhances it, which is why it's essential to critical thinking.

SAT Reading Tip 1:

A declarative sentence that describes a fact/observation is typically a detail that is used to support a thesis/claim. For example:

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT SOCIAL CONTRACT.

During the summer, I get to shift to more creative and fun hands-on projects to help students retain what they've learned and shore up their foundations for next school year. Previous students have made homemade slime, baked cookies in homemade solar-powered ovens, and designed and built dollhouses.

Assessment test, test prep, practice tests and homework included!

My tutoring philosophy starts with empathy.