SAT Prep for Advanced ESL Students Lesson 1 & 2

Lesson 1 - Vocabulary Building

Introduction

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Learn 10-15 new SAT vocabulary words.

• Understand the definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and usage of these words.

• Be able to use these words in sentences.

• Improve your ability to recognize and understand these words in context.

Warm-Up Activity

Start the lesson with a brief review of any previously learned vocabulary. Write a sentence or two using some of the words you already know. This will help activate your prior knowledge and get you in the right mindset for learning new words.

Introducing New Vocabulary

Here’s a sample list of 10 SAT words:

Abate (verb): To lessen in intensity or degree.

• Synonyms: subside, diminish, decrease

• Antonyms: intensify, increase

• Example Sentence: The storm finally abated, leaving the streets clear of rain and debris. Cacophony (noun): Harsh, jarring noise.

• Synonyms: din, racket, noise

• Antonyms: harmony, peace, quiet

• Example Sentence: The cacophony of the city streets made it hard for Maria to concentrate.

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2. Egregious (adjective): Outstandingly bad; shocking.

• Synonyms: appalling, terrible, awful

• Antonyms: marvelous, wonderful

• Example Sentence: His egregious mistake cost the team the game.

1. Facetious (adjective): Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.

• Synonyms: flippant, glib, tongue-in-cheek

• Antonyms: serious, earnest

• Example Sentence: Her facetious comments during the meeting were not well received.

1. Gregarious (adjective): Sociable; enjoying the company of others.

• Synonyms: sociable, outgoing, extroverted

• Antonyms: introverted, shy

• Example Sentence: He was a popular and gregarious man.

1. Harangue (noun): A lengthy and aggressive speech.

• Synonyms: tirade, diatribe, rant

• Antonyms: eulogy, praise

• Example Sentence: The politician's harangue against the opposition was filled with vitriol.

1. Impetuous (adjective): Acting or done quickly and without thought or care.

• Synonyms: rash, hasty, reckless

• Antonyms: careful, cautious

• Example Sentence: His impetuous decision to quit his job surprised everyone.

1. Juxtapose (verb): Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

• Synonyms: compare, contrast, collocate

• Antonyms: separate, divide

• Example Sentence: The exhibition juxtaposes modern art with classical art.

1. Languid (adjective): Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.

• Synonyms: relaxed, unhurried, slow

• Antonyms: energetic, active

• Example Sentence: They enjoyed a languid afternoon at the beach.

1. Nefarious (adjective): Wicked or criminal.

• Synonyms: wicked, evil, sinful

• Antonyms: good, admirable

• Example Sentence: The nefarious activities of the criminal organization were finally exposed.

Contextual Application

Read the following short passage that includes several of the new vocabulary words. Identify the words and discuss their meaning in the context of the passage.

Example Passage: "Despite the cacophony of the city streets, Maria found a languid cafe where she could abate her stress and enjoy a quiet afternoon."

Vocabulary Quiz

Test your understanding of the new vocabulary with this quick quiz:

1. Abate means:

• a) To increase

• b) To lessen

• c) To ignore

• d) To celebrate

1. Which word means "harsh, jarring noise"?

• a) Gregarious

• b) Cacophony

• c) Languid

• d) Facetious

1. Use "nefarious" in a sentence.

Homework Assignment

For homework, write a short paragraph using at least five of the new vocabulary words. Be creative and think about how each word can be used effectively in your writing.

Conclusion

Building a strong vocabulary is a crucial step in SAT preparation, especially for ESL students. By regularly learning and practicing new words, you can enhance your reading comprehension and writing skills, which will ultimately contribute to your success on the SAT. Stay tuned for our next lesson, where we'll dive into reading comprehension strategies!

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Lesson 2 - Reading Comprehension Strategies

Introduction

Welcome to Lesson 2 of our SAT prep series! In this session, we will focus on enhancing your reading comprehension skills, which are crucial for the reading section of the SAT. We will explore effective strategies to help you understand and analyze passages more efficiently, enabling you to answer questions accurately and confidently.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Understand key reading comprehension strategies.

• Learn how to identify main ideas, themes, and details in a passage.

• Practice skimming and scanning techniques for quicker reading.

• Apply these strategies to answer sample SAT reading comprehension questions.

Warm-Up Activity

Let’s kick off with a quick reading exercise. Read the following short passage and write down the main idea in one sentence:

Passage:"The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the way we communicate, work, and live. Social media platforms, smartphones, and the internet have made information more accessible than ever before. However, this technological boom has also raised concerns about privacy, mental health, and the digital divide. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to balance innovation with ethical considerations to ensure a positive impact on society."

Your Task:

• Write the main idea of the passage in one sentence.

Key Reading Comprehension Strategies

To tackle the reading section effectively, here are some essential strategies:

1. Skimming and Scanning

• Skimming: Quickly read the passage to get a general idea of the content. Focus on headings, subheadings, and the first and last sentences of paragraphs.

• Scanning: Look for specific information or keywords in the text. This is useful for finding details, names, dates, or particular facts.

1. Identifying Main Ideas and Details

• Look for topic sentences, which often summarize the main idea of a paragraph.

• Pay attention to supporting details that reinforce the main idea.

1. Understanding the Structure

• Recognize the organization of the passage: introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Note transitions and how they connect ideas.

1. Analyzing Tone and Purpose

• Determine the author’s tone (e.g., serious, humorous, critical) and purpose (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain).

1. Making Inferences

• Use clues from the text and your own knowledge to make logical conclusions. Look for implied meanings and relationships between ideas.

Practice Activity: Skimming and Scanning

Let’s practice these strategies with a sample passage. Follow these steps:

1. Read the passage quickly to get the gist (skimming).

2. Scan the passage for specific information needed to answer the questions.

Sample Passage:

"In the early 20th century, the automobile revolutionized transportation, drastically changing the landscape of cities and rural areas alike. Roads and highways were constructed to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles, leading to significant urban expansion. The invention of the automobile also brought about economic growth, creating new industries and job opportunities. However, it also introduced challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and the need for new infrastructure."

Questions:

1. What was one major impact of the automobile on cities and rural areas?

2. What challenges did the automobile introduce?

Analyzing the Passage

Main Idea:The main idea is the significant impact of the automobile on society, including both positive advancements and challenges.

Supporting Details:

• Roads and highways were built for vehicles.

• Economic growth and new industries were created.

• Challenges include traffic congestion, pollution, and infrastructure needs.

Vocabulary in Context

Understanding the meaning of words in context can help you better comprehend passages. Let’s identify and discuss some key vocabulary from the passage:

1. Revolutionized (verb): Changed dramatically.

2. Congestion (noun): The state of being crowded and blocked.

3. Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.

Activity: Use each word in a sentence related to the passage.

Practice Questions

Let’s apply what we’ve learned with some sample SAT reading comprehension questions. Answer the questions based on the passage provided.

1. What was one consequence of the automobile’s invention?

• a) Decrease in economic growth

• b) Creation of new job opportunities

• c) Reduction in traffic congestion

• d) Decline in the number of vehicles

1. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

• a) Critical

• b) Informative

• c) Humorous

• d) Persuasive

1. What challenge associated with automobiles is mentioned in the passage?

• a) Increase in the number of bicycles

• b) Need for new infrastructure

• c) Decline in urban expansion

• d) Reduction in pollution

Discussion and Review

Discuss your answers with a partner or in a group. Share your reasoning for each choice and clarify any doubts you may have. This discussion will help reinforce your understanding and improve your critical thinking skills.

Homework Assignment

For homework, read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

Passage:"The concept of renewable energy has gained significant traction in recent years as the world seeks sustainable solutions to climate change. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are among the most popular forms of renewable energy, offering cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. While the shift to renewable energy presents challenges, such as high initial costs and the need for technological advancements, the long-term benefits for the environment and economy are undeniable. Governments and private sectors worldwide are investing heavily in renewable energy projects to ensure a sustainable future."

Questions:

1. What are some popular forms of renewable energy mentioned in the passage?

2. What challenges are associated with the shift to renewable energy?

3. What is the main purpose of investing in renewable energy projects?

Conclusion

Improving your reading comprehension skills is essential for success on the SAT. By practicing skimming, scanning, identifying main ideas, and making inferences, you can enhance your ability to understand and analyze passages. Keep practicing these strategies, and you’ll find yourself more confident and prepared for the SAT reading section.