What Is Tested?

• The SAT focuses on Tier 2 vocabulary — high-utility words found in school and nonfiction reading.
• These words are not obscure or poetic. They are common in context-heavy academic writing.
• The test pulls many of these words from past SATs. They repeat!
• Use Quizlet sets like the “2400 Vocab List” to review common words.

The Winning Move: Predict First

• Before looking at the answer choices, predict your own word that fits the blank or replaces the highlighted word.
• Use a basic, simple word — not a fancy synonym.
• Then, match your prediction to the closest answer choice.
• This helps you avoid being tricked by choices that seem possible but change the meaning or tone.

Why Predicting Works

• If you look at the choices first, they can all “kind of” fit — but most will shift the point of the sentence.
• Only one answer preserves the original meaning and tone of the sentence.
• Predicting your own word helps you stay grounded in what the sentence is really saying.

Strategy Tips

• Keep your prediction simple: Basic words are easier to match to correct choices.
• Don’t overthink it: These questions are designed to be quick. Spending more than 30–45 seconds is usually a waste.
• Trust your first instinct: If a choice perfectly matches your prediction, go with it and move on.

Key Skills

• Using context clues to define unfamiliar words
• Matching tone and meaning
• Eliminating extreme or off-topic choices
• Quick, confident prediction and matching