| How to Recycle Coconut Shells Posted: 26 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST If you've ever enjoyed sweet coconut meat or hydrating coconut water, you've probably been left with the dilemma of what to do with the coconut shell. Since it's such a huge part of the fruit, it can be tough to just throw it out with the trash. If you have a coconut shell that you'd like to recycle into something useful, you can spend an afternoon doing a DIY project to decorate your home with. Plus, you'll be reducing your waste and cutting down on your garbage output. It's a win-win! [Edit]Coconut Shell Bowls - Sand the coconut shell with sandpaper until it's smooth. If your coconut shell still has hair on the outside, pull that off as best you can. Then, use a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to start sanding the outside. Once it feels smooth, move onto a 240-grit sandpaper, then a 400-grit sandpaper.[1]
- Staple your piece of sandpaper to a block of wood for an easier handhold.
- Sanding is probably the part that takes the longest in this project. Expect to spend about 30 minutes on sanding!
- Saw the coconut shell in half. Hold the coconut steady with one hand and pick up a hand saw with the other. Saw the coconut in half, making sure both halves are fairly even, until you're left with 2 separate halves of the coconut.[2]
- If you're worried about your halves being uneven, use a marker to draw a line down the center of the coconut before you start.
- If your coconut shell still has meat or water in it, drain / cut it out before you move on.
- Sand the inside of the coconut shell until it's smooth. Grab your 80-grit sandpaper again and use it on the inside of both coconut shells. Keep going until the shell feels smooth, then move onto your 240-grit and 400-grit.[3]
- The sanding on the inside shouldn't take quite as long since it doesn't have the hairy outside. However, it still might take you a little elbow grease to get it done.
- Rub mineral oil into the shell with a cloth to seal the bowl. Drizzle of mineral oil into the bowl and use a cloth to spread it around, making sure to get the top, bottom, and sides. You'll really start to see the color pop![4]
- Wait 20 minutes for the oil to soak in and wipe off any excess. Set your bowl aside and let the oil soak in. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe off any drips so the mineral oil dries shiny and smooth.[5]
- Your bowl will look a little more matte as the oil dries.
- Wipe on more mineral oil at least 3 more times. The coconut shell is pretty dry, so it needs a lot of oil to make it shine. Keep adding mineral oil, letting it dry, and wiping off the excess until the color looks deep and rich.[6]
- Now you have 2 coconut shell bowls! If they get dirty, wash them by hand with water and mild dish soap, and keep them out of the dishwasher at all costs.
[Edit]Coconut Shell Planters - Cut the top of the shell off. Mark off the top of the shell with a permanent marker or a pencil, then grab your handsaw. Use the saw to cut the top part of the shell off but leave the majority intact.[7]
- The top part of the shell will be the drainage plate, while the bottom part will be the actual pot.
- If your coconut still has water or meat in it, drain it and cut the meat out.
- Sand the inside and the outside of the shell to make them smooth. Start with a piece of 80-grit sandpaper and go to town on both pieces of the shell. Make sure you get the tops, bottoms, inside, and outside of each piece to make it nice and smooth. Then, use a piece of 240-grit sandpaper to really make your coconut shell shine.[8]
- Sanding takes the longest, but it will be worth it when your plant pots look professionally made!
- Cut a hole in the small piece of shell with a saw. Grab the smaller piece of shell and make a circle in the center, leaving about around the border. Use your saw to cut out the hole so you're left with just the border (or a hollow circle).[9]
- This is the base that the plant pot will sit on.
- Drill a hole into the bottom of the large shell for drainage. Grab a drill and attach a masonry bit, then turn your large coconut shell upside down. Drill a hole into the center of the bottom part to let the water drain out when you water your plant.[10]
- Not adding a drainage hole can lead to too much moisture in your plants, which can cause mold or mildew.
- Coat the shell pieces in mineral oil. Pour of mineral oil onto each piece of your coconut shell and rub it in with a cloth. The color will turn deep brown and your plant pots will start to look shiny![11]
- If you prefer the light brown of your coconut shells, don't add any mineral oil.
- Mineral oil is food safe, so it won't hurt your plants.
- Set the large shell on top of the small shell as a drainage plate. Place the small hollowed out circle wherever you'd like your plant to sit, then set your large shell on top of it. Fill the shell up with potting soil, then use it to plant your plant![12]
- When you water your plant, the excess moisture will run out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
- Make sure your coconut shells are super smooth before you make them into bowls or planters!
- Some organizations will take your old coconut shells and turn them into a composite material for reuse. To find an organization like that near you, search for "coconut shell composite material" + your city.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Use caution whenever you're using hand tools or power tools. If you aren't sure how to use them, check the manufacturer's instructions.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 80-grit, 240-grit, and 400-grit sandpaper
- Hand saw
- Knife
- Mineral oil
- Cloth
[Edit]Plant Pots - Knife
- Hand saw
- Permanent marker
- Drill
- 80-grit and 240-grit sandpaper
- Masonry drill bit
- Mineral oil
- Cloth
[Edit]References |
| How to Avoid Algae in an Aquarium Posted: 25 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST Algae is a type of aquatic plant that feeds on sunlight and chemical nutrients in their environment. Algae is invisible in small amounts, and your tank almost certainly has small traces of algae in it right now. But once the algae builds up and accumulates, it can cloud the water and cover up the glass. It can be quite frustrating to feel like you're constantly cleaning when you should be enjoying your aquarium. Luckily, if you're diligent about changing your water and keeping light levels low, it is unlikely that you'll have to deal with algae in your aquarium. The algae solutions in this article are identical for fresh and saltwater tanks, with the exception of the types of fish, snails, and shrimp that you can buy to eat the algae in your tank.[1] [Edit]Controlling the Light - Place your tank so that it's not facing any windows. Placing your aquarium in front of large windows results in unwanted light that you can't control. In addition, natural light feeds algae. To avoid this, set your aquarium away from large windows and out of the path of direct light. Similarly, keep your tank out of the rooms in your home that have really bright lights in the ceiling and are often left on for long periods of time.[2]
- Indirect light is perfectly fine and can actually help your fish know when it's daytime.
- Keep artificial lights to 4-6 hours a day to avoid feeding algae. Since algae uses photosynthesis to grow, the amount of light your tank receives will impact the likelihood of algae growing in your tank. While exposing fish to light during the day is important, you can certainly cut down on the amount of light you use without harming your fish. Keeping artificial lights on for less than 6 hours a day is a great way to prevent algae from growing.[3]
- You can turn the lights on for your aquarium at any point during the daytime. So long as you're consistent, your fish will adapt their circadian rhythms to your light.
- If you have live plants, make sure they get at least 10 hours of light a day. Fortunately, live plants are really efficient at combating algae, so you don't need to worry about light levels as much if you have live plants.
- Replace all aquarium lights after 1.5 years to avoid deteriorating lighting. Aquarium lighting is specifically designed to provide plants and fish with light in a concentrated section of the light spectrum. As aquarium lights wear down over time, the light they emit can shift to a different part of the light spectrum and promote algae growth. To prevent this, replace aquarium lighting every 1.5-2 years, regardless of whether the light appears to be functioning correctly or not.[4]
- This is particularly important for fluorescent bulbs, since they tend to change dramatically when they're wearing down.
- Replace any lights that look dimmer than they were when you first installed them. Dim bulbs are typically a sign of a dying aquarium light.
[Edit]Monitoring and Cleaning the Water - Check your filter every 1-2 days to ensure it's working properly. Every 1-2 days, lift your tank cover up and inspect the filter carefully. Check the trap on the filter and remove any obstructions. Check the flow of water when it's running to make sure there's a steady stream of fresh water. If your filter ever stops running, replace it as soon as possible to avoid giving the algae time to build up.[5]
- Rinse your filter out under a steady stream of water if it has fish waste or algae on it. Algae can typically be scraped away completely with a razor blade or the tines of a fork.
- Filters will typically do a very good job of removing algae on their own. If there is any part of the tank that you want to upgrade to prevent algae, get a higher-end filter.
- Replace 25% of the water every 1-2 weeks. Replacing all of the water all at once can shock your fish and plants, since you're completely changing the environment at once. However, if you never replace the water, the fish waste and algae can build up quite dramatically.[6] Drain 25% of the water out once every 1-2 weeks and replace it with new water to ensure that large amounts of algae don't build up over time.[7]
- Use whatever kind of water your tank normally uses to replace the old water. Most fish will thrive with purified mineral water. Alternatively, you can use tap water that has been conditioned to remove the chlorine.
- It's better for the fish if you don't change the water out all at once. Even if it looks cleaner, many fish will struggle with a brand new environment.
- Clean your aquarium glass weekly with an algae scraper to keep it clean. An algae scraper is basically a razor blade attached to a long handle. Scraping the inside of the glass regularly is a great way to remove any algae that you can't see and prevent buildup over time. Do this at least once a week to ensure that your glass stays clean and clear.[8]
- If you have an acrylic tank, make sure that you get a scraper designed specifically for acrylic.
- Use an algae magnet to clean your glass regularly without getting wet. An algae magnet is a cleaning pad with a heavy-duty magnet attached to it. It connects to a magnet on the outside of the tank which allows you to clean the interior glass without getting wet. Purchase an algae magnet and move it around the glass to spot clean algae and remove thin layers that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye.[9]
- If you have an acrylic tank, be sure to get an algae magnet that is designed specifically for acrylic.
- Test and modify the tank's nitrate and phosphate levels every 6-12 months. Purchase nitrate and phosphate testing kits to check your water every 6-12 months. Take a water sample in a test tube and pour the testing kit's solution into the tube. The water will change color and you can compare it to the color chart that comes with your kit. Phosphate should never exceed 0.03 parts per million (ppm), while nitrate should levels should typically stay below 0.07 ppm.[10]
- Nitrate and phosphate are the 2 chemicals that lead directly to algae growth. Test your water every couple of months to ensure that the levels are safe.
[Edit]Creating an Algae-Free Ecosystem - Add some algae-eating fish to snack on any algae that appears. There are plenty of fish, shrimp, and snails that feed on algae particles and won't bother other creatures in your tank. Introducing these creatures to your tank are an excellent way to prevent algae from accumulating in large amounts. Pick up 2-10 algae eaters based on the size of your tank and let them feed on any algae that grows.[11]
- A tank typically requires 3-4 algae eaters. Add another 1-2 algae eater for every on top of that.
- The most popular algae eater is the hillstream loach, which is great at getting algae off of glass. Other options include Amano shrimp, angelfish, nerite snails, cherry shrimp, and otocinclus fish.
- Before adding new fish, research the breeds that are already in your tank to ensure that they won't be hostile towards your new algae eaters.
- The creatures you buy to eat algae must be appropriate for the type of water in your tank. For example, the hillstream loach can only live in freshwater, while angelfish can only live in saltwater.
- Use live plants instead of plastic plants to compete with the algae. Live plants will compete with algae for the nitrates and phosphates in your water. This is a great way to naturally cut down on algae levels without dramatically changing anything in your tank. Most fish prefer hanging out in live plants anyway! If you're using plastic plants, replace them with live varieties to limit the amount of algae in your tank.[12]
- For freshwater tanks, java moss, coontail, and water wisteria are resilient, solid options. For saltwater tanks, mangroves, Halimeda, and green finger algae are great choices.
- Basically every live plant will compete with algae. You don't need to buy any special kind of algae-fighting plant.
- Blackout your tank once every 6-12 months to reset algae levels. Blacking a tank out refers to the process of removing all light sources for 24-48 hours to kill off any algae that may be present in the tank. To do this, turn your tank lights off and cover the tank with a dark blanket or fabric. Leave the lights off for 24-48 hours before returning to normal conditions. This will starve all of the algae and kill it off. Change the water out completely over the course of the next 2-3 weeks to remove any algae residue in the water. Change out 20% of the water every 2-3 days until you've completely replaced the old water to get rid of the dead algae.[13]
- Continue to feed your fish while your tank is blacked out.
- If you have live plants, do not exceed 36 consecutive hours of blackout conditions.
[Edit]References |
| How to Prepare for the SAT Posted: 25 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) can be seriously intimidating. You may have even heard from your peers and teachers that the test will determine your future. Relax! The SAT isn't the most important thing you'll ever have to do, so long as you're willing to put in a little preparation. The best way to prepare for the SAT is just to get reps in. Like shooting a basketball or lifting weights, you're only going to improve with practice. Complete as many of the free College Board practice tests as you reasonably can. It also helps to remember that you can always retake the test if you don't do well on it the first time. [Edit]Reading - Reading test format: 52 questions in 65 minutes. This may sound like a lot of time, but you do have to read 5 passages to complete these questions. The passages aren't super long—most are under a full page—but knowing the type of texts you're going to run into will help you prepare. There will always be:[1]
- 1 passage from a classic work of literature.
- 1 passage from a founding US document.
- 1 passage about a social science.
- 2 passages about science.
- Identify the types of questions you struggle with in practice exams. There are only a handful of different question formats in the reading section. Do a practice exam and check your work. Analyze the questions you're getting wrong to see if there's a specific type of question you can improve on.[2] Common question categories include:
- Evidence-based questions (supporting claims with evidence).
- "This word nearly means" questions (diction, synonyms, and clarity).
- Main idea questions (summary, theme, and author intention).
- Supporting information questions (citing lines in the text).
- Work on reading comprehension by tackling challenging texts. In the months leading up to the SAT, get your hands on articles, books, and practice exams that are at or above your reading level. The more reading you can do in your spare time, the better you'll get at analyzing complex sentences, extracting key information, and fluently processing tough material.[3]
- Review SAT-level vocabulary lists. There are certain vocab terms that will show up often on the exam. Reviewing these lists are a great way to make sure you aren't caught off guard by any confusing words.
- Try summarizing every text you read out loud to yourself when you're done. This is a great way to practice identifying the main idea. There are typically 1-2 questions associated with every passage that ask you to analyze the main idea, so this is a great way to practice.
- Read texts in the same category as the SAT reading section. Read medical articles, travel magazines, breaking news stories, historical documents, and old books. They may not be your favorite genres, but the practice will pay off!
- Read passages from sample tests to get used to them. The absolute best way to practice for any section of the SAT is to complete the practice tests. This is especially true for the reading section, since the categories for each passage are identical across tests. Even if you don't have the time to answer all of the questions, reading sample texts while you're riding the bus or eating a late-night snack will really add up.[4]
- College Board, the company that publishes and administers the SAT, releases 10 practice exams every year. Start with those and work your way back through the previous year's tests over time.
- Since the time you spend reading is time you can't use to answer questions, you'll want to get through the passages reasonably fast. If you're not the quickest reader, try to practice improving your reading speed by identifying the main concepts in each paragraph.
- Check the questions first to keep key info in mind as you read. Some students have an easier time with the reading section when they scan the questions first. To do this, check each question stem and ignore any questions that include line numbers (since these questions are already telling you where to look). For the 3-4 questions that don't have line numbers, you know to pay special attention and take notes when those questions come up as you read.[5]
- For example, if the question is "Why doesn't Rey seem to trust her father?" you know you need to pay extra attention to the sections of the text where Rey is talking about her father.
- On the other hand, a question like, "In line 14, the word 'expressive' most nearly means…" tells you exactly where to look in the text. No need to keep an eye out for an answer if you'll know where to look!
- Rule out incorrect options, even if you think you know the answer. In the reading section, the SAT can be a little deceptive. Multiple answers may seem very similar, so don't lock in the first answer that sounds right. Instead, check every possible answer to see if there's something you're overlooking. This is a great way to avoid jumping the gun and getting easy questions wrong.[6]
- For example, let's say there's a question like, "Why doesn't Frank like his teacher?" and the first option is, "He doesn't like her teaching style." That may jump out immediately as the right answer. But another option may read, "He dislikes the way she asks questions in class" which may be a more accurate option depending on the text.
[Edit]Writing and Language - Writing and language test format: 44 questions in 35 minutes. You don't have nearly as much to read compared to the other English section here. The passages can vary in subject matter, although they tend to include a nonfiction story, a historical text, and a passage about science.[7]
- While reading a lot will help you out with the reading section, writing a lot won't necessarily help you with the writing and language section. Think of this section more like an editing test where you goal is to improve the writing and catch grammar mistakes.
- Check your work in writing and language to find room for improvement. Like the reading section, writing and language questions fall into 5 categories. Checking your work will help you see if there's a type of question you need to keep working on. The questions in this section are divided as follows:[8]
- Command of evidence (supporting claims about the text).
- Words in context (fluidity of language, clarity, and diction).
- Improve the passage (language skills and tone).
- Expression of ideas (syntax and editing).
- English conventions and grammar (punctuation, agreement, and capitalization).
- Review punctuation rules and phrases to sharpen your grammar skills. A large chunk of the conventions and grammar questions have to do with punctuation. Go through your old grammar notes and ask your teacher any clarifying questions you may have about how semicolons work, or what the rules for em dashes are. Online grammar quizzes, YouTube tutorials, and reviewing your English notes are all great ways to improve here![9]
- Be sure to review the rules for possessive apostrophes and the letter "s." You'll run into a few questions about names that end in "s" and apostrophes.
- There are typically 1-2 questions about who vs. whom. If you can remember the rules for these (who is a subject, whom is an object), these are typically free questions.
- Restrictive and nonrestrictive phrases are a big component of this section. Brush up on the rules surrounding commas and optional phrases to avoid getting these questions wrong.
- Answer the questions as you read to get into a good flow. Unlike the reading section where you should read the entire passage before you answer a question, you're probably going to save time by answering each question as you read. Whenever you see underlined information, read through to the end of the sentence and then answer the question.[10]
- For command of evidence and context questions, read ahead a few sentences before answering. The surrounding sentences can give you a hint on whether the sentence needs to be changed or not.
- Unlike the ACT, the SAT doesn't ask any overarching questions about the text as a whole in this section. You will not be asked to identify the theme or main idea, so don't worry if you aren't following the passage perfectly.
- Lean toward the shorter, simpler options when weighing answers. Whenever you find yourself split between 2-3 possible answers, assume that the shorter, cleaner answer is more likely to be correct. This isn't always going to be the case, but the SAT writing and language section tends to prioritize an efficient and succinct type of writing.[11]
- For example, let's say the underlined portion of the sentence reads "but in 1976, journalist and author Ed Smith wrote his magnum opus." If you're choosing between replacing it with "but in 1976, Ed Smith wrote his massive magnum opus" and "Ed Smith wrote his magnum opus in 1976," the latter is probably the answer because it streamlines the sentence.
- Math test format: 58 questions in 80 minutes. The math portion of the SAT is divided into two sections, but they aren't really all that different.[12] Calculators are not allowed on the first section, while the second section lets you use a calculator[13]
- You will be given a reference chart with equations for both sections, so don't worry about memorizing formulas.
- Most of the math section is multiple-choice, but there are a handful of open-ended questions you'll have to answer in the calculator section.
- Complete practice tests to spot potential gaps in your knowledge. Use the College Board practice exams to test your math skills. Even if it's just one question a day, getting used to the wording and format of the math section will help dramatically. This will also help you figure out if you need to review any specific concepts.[14] Questions in the math section cover:
- Algebra (linear equations, variables, and graphs).
- Data analysis (quantitative data, probability, and reading charts).
- Advanced math (equivalent expressions, quadratic equations, and functions).
- Geometry and trigonometry.
- Practice answering word problems and extracting the key information. Start by breaking word problems down, and get in the habit of underlining the essential information as it corresponds to the question. A lot of the word problems can trip you up with unnecessary information, so work slowly and read carefully![15]
- Ignoring irrelevant information is essential. Get in the habit of reading the question carefully to determine what info you actually need to answer the question.[16]
- When it comes to math problems, a single missed word can lead you to an incorrect answer. Be sure you understand what each question is asking you to do before you answer.
- Word problems and data analysis questions on the SAT will often judge your ability to interpret ratios, proportions, and data sets.
- Refresh your algebra skills by practicing expressions and finding variables. The vast majority of the questions in both math sections are on algebra.[17] Review your old algebra notes and practice defining variables, analyzing equations, and charting graphs with worksheets or practice games. If possible, swing by your algebra teacher's classroom after school and ask for additional help if you need it.[18]
- Go through your algebra textbook and try your hand at various problems in each section. This is a great way to see if you need help in any particular area.
- There are tons of online quizzes and games out there for practicing algebra. If you've got a few hours to kill, try your hand at some quick online questions.
- Get some geometry practice with circles and angles to prep for trigonometry. There are always a handful of questions that involve calculating angles, finding areas, and using trigonometry ratios (SOH CAH TOA). Brush up on your angle charting and trig formulas to make sure you're ready for all of the geometry and trigonometry questions.[19]
- Ask the math teachers at your school for geometry and trigonometry worksheets so you can practice on your own time.
- The old SAT included a lot more geometry than trigonometry. This balance has shifted with the new SAT, so make sure you're only using practice tests from the past 2-3 years to avoid over prepping for geometry questions.[20]
[Edit]Test-Taking Strategies - Read the directions for every section and question carefully. One of the common mistakes that students make on the SAT is that they get into a flow with the material and they end up missing key words and instructions. Take your time when reading the instructions and don't assume you know what the question is asking. Skipping a single word can dramatically change the meaning of a question so take it slow![21]
- In the reading section, that little bit of text at the beginning of each passage is worth reading. Knowing the author's name and the year a text was published can really help you interpret what's going on.
- Skip difficult questions and return to them later if you're behind. If you run into a question that's really hard for you, circle the number or make a note and skip it. It's better to leave 2 hard questions for the end than it is to end up 10 minutes behind with a bunch of questions unanswered. Once you get to the end of the section, go back and answer all of the hard questions you skipped.[22]
- There's no value in wasting time on a question that totally confuses you. You're more likely to get these questions wrong, so it's better to move on to other questions where you'll have a better chance of getting it right.
- Don't beat yourself up over falling behind. A lot of students get anxiety that they're on a timer. Try not to pay too much attention to the clock. It's important to know if you're behind, but if you're losing focus on the question because you're worrying about the clock, it isn't a productive exercise.
- Guess if you're absolutely lost or running out of time. If you find yourself completely bewildered by a question or you're down to your last few minutes and you have unanswered questions, just throw an answer out there. The older version of the SAT penalized you for getting a question wrong, but that's no longer the case. You're better off guessing than you are leaving any answers blank.[23]
- If you can, eliminate any obviously wrong answers before you fill in any answer bubbles. It's always better to make an educated guess than a random one.
[Edit]Study Tips and Resources - Start studying for the SAT at least 6 months before the exam. The longer you have to familiarize yourself with the test, the better you're going to do. Roughly 6 months before the test, start studying regularly every week. You could study 30 minutes every 2-3 days, or dedicate 1-2 hours a week to practicing. With 3 months left, start targeting the areas you need to improve. When you're 1 month out, practice taking entire practice tests and drill yourself with questions you've been struggling with.[24]
- For example, you might start off by reviewing the format and trying a few questions every week. Then, transition to doing 15-30 practice questions during each study session. A few months out, try entire sections and review your scores to see where you need help.
- You could also review and memorize 10 new vocabulary terms each week, or do 5-10 linear equations at the end of each study session.
- Take advantage of any resources at your high school. Nearly every high school out there offers some kind of SAT prep for its students. Ask your teachers early on in the school year about SAT classes at the school. If you're struggling in any specific area of the English or math sections, ask your teachers if they're offering any tutoring. These resources are often free, so there's no reason not to take advantage of them![25]
- You may need to pay a small tuition fee to take any SAT classes at your school. Still, the cost of these classes will be relatively low compared to what you'd spend at a private tutoring academy.
- Find free or cheap resources online to help you prepare. There are hundreds of websites and books out there that are either free, or extremely cheap. These are great resources if you want additional practice or you're looking for more insight into how you're going to perform. Kaplan, The Princeton Review, Magoosh, and Khan Academy all have a ton of free SAT prep materials you can use.[26]
- McGraw-Hill has 5 free PSAT tests online that offer explanations for each question. TestPrepPractice is another great resource that has a ton of practice questions you can download for free.[27]
- SAT practice books tend to be relatively inexpensive. These are a great option if you really want to dig deep into the mechanics of the exam, or if you're looking for a ton of practice questions you can pull out on the bus.
- Hire a private tutor or take test prep classes get targeted help. Look online for SAT tutors or classes in your area. If you want general help with test-taking strategies and guided practice, look for a tutor with knowledge of the entire test. If you want targeted help, reach out to a tutor who specializes in either English or math and ask them about SAT prep. Targeted help in areas where you're struggling is generally better if you have a sense for where you have room to improve.[28]
- Tutors can be expensive, so if you're on a limited budget or your parents aren't helping you out, don't worry about it. You can always watch tutorials online and utilize the free help at school to work on improving your score.
- Prepare separately for the optional essay if you're taking it. There is a 50-minute optional essay prompt at the end of the SAT. This prompt always asks you to analyze how an author builds an argument, so make sure you only use recent SAT sample tests to practice the essay. In most cases, you should ask your English teacher to help prepare you for the essay since they'll know where your writing can be best improved.[29]
- You do not have to take this essay. Whether you do or don't boils down to two things: your writing skills and the schools you're applying to. If your dream college requires the essay, take it. If they don't require it and you think it won't improve your score, don't worry about it.
- The essay isn't an opportunity to show off flashy writing tricks and creative twists of phrase. The main thing you are being judged on is your ability to clearly and effectively argue a specific point.
- College Board, the company that publishes the SAT, releases 10 sample tests every year. You can find these online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests.
- Eat a good breakfast and get a good night's sleep on the day of the test. You don't want to be distracted by something completely preventable like an empty stomach or a drowsy head.
- People often use "old tests" and "sample tests" interchangeably. Most of the sample tests that College Board releases every year are made up of questions from last year's SAT tests.
[Edit]Warnings - Studying vocabulary is not productive way to prepare for the English sections. The word choice questions have way more to do with how a word is being used rather than what it means. Feel free to brush up on your prefixes and suffixes, though![30]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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