Read an Excerpt
EXCELLING ON
THE SAT SPANISH
SUBJECT TEST
About This Book
This book provides you with an accurate and complete representation of the SAT Spanish Subject Test. Inside you will find a complete course review, as well as five REA practice tests based on the actual exam. Our practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the actual exam. Following each test you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you master the test material.
About the Test
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
Students planning to attend college take the SAT Spanish Subject Test for one of two reasons:
(1) Because it is an admission requirement of the college or university to which they are applying,
OR
(2) To demonstrate proficiency in Spanish.
The SAT Spanish exam is designed for students who have taken two to four years of Spanish.
Who administers the test?
The SAT Spanish Subject Test is developed by the College Board and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test development process involves the assistance of educators throughout the country, and is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.
When and where is the test given?
The SAT Spanish Subject Test is offered five times a year in October, December, January, May and June. (The SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening, which this book does not cover, is administered only in November.)
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the exam, consult the publication Taking the SAT Spanish Subject Tests, which can be obtained from your guidance counselor or by contacting:
College Board SAT Program
P.O. Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
Phone: (609) 771-7600
Website: www.collegeboard.com
Is there a registration fee?
You must pay a registration fee to take the SAT Spanish Subject Test. Consult the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com) for information on the fee structure. Financial assistance may be granted in certain situations. To find out if you qualify and to register for assistance, contact your academic advisor.
How to Use This Book
What do I study first?
Remember that the SAT Spanish Subject Test is designed to test knowledge that you have acquired throughout your education. Therefore, the best way to prepare for the exam is to refresh yourself by thoroughly studying our review material and taking the sample tests provided in this book. Our practice tests will familiarize you with the types of questions, directions, and format of the SAT Spanish Subject Test.
To begin your studies, read over our course review and suggestions for test-taking. Then take the first practice test to determine your area(s) of weakness. When you're done, restudy the review material, focusing on your specific problem areas. The course review includes the information you need to know when taking the exam. Make sure to take the remaining practice tests to further test yourself and become familiar with the format of the SAT Spanish Subject Test. Further recommendations are detailed in our study schedule in the front of this book.
When should I start studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the SAT Spanish Subject Test. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study! The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more comfortable you will be when you take it.
Format of the SAT Spanish SUBJECT test
The SAT Spanish Subject Test is a one-hour exam consisting of 85 multiple-choice questions that are designed to measure the gradual development of competence in the Spanish language acquired over a period of years.
About 33% of the test measures vocabulary and structure in context or grammar. Another third of the test measures reading comprehension. Paragraph completion accounts for the remaining 33%.
(See the book for how to score the test and the conversion chart)
Studying for the SAT Spanish SUBJECT TEST
It is critical to choose the time and place for studying that works best for you. Some students may set aside a certain number of hours every morning to study, while others may choose to study at night before going to sleep. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective. Be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it!
When you take the practice tests, try to make your testing conditions as much like the actual test as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and sit down at a quiet desk or table free from distraction. Make sure to clock yourself with a timer.
As you complete each practice test, score it and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly; however, do not review too much at any one time. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reviewing the questions and explanations, and by studying our review until you are confident you completely understand the material.
Keep track of your scores. By doing so, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. You should carefully study the reviews that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas.
Test-Taking Tips
Although you may be unfamiliar with standardized tests such as the SAT Spanish Subject Test, there are many ways to acquaint yourself with this type of examination and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Here are six specific ways you can give yourself a leg up:
Become comfortable with the format of the exam. When you are practicing, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Stay calm and pace yourself. This will allow you to sit down for the actual exam with much more confidence.
Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read through each choice to be sure that you are not making a mistake by jumping to conclusions.
Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating just two answer choices, you give yourself a better chance of getting the item correct, since there will only be two choices left from which to make your guess.
Work quickly and steadily. You will have only 1 hour, so avoid focusing on any one question too long. Taking the practice tests in this book will help you learn to budget your time.
Learn the directions and format for each section of the test. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the exam will save you valuable time on the day of the actual test.
Be sure that the answer oval you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the exam is graded by machine, marking one wrong answer can throw off your answer key and your score. Be extremely careful when filling in your answer sheet.
Before the Test
Make sure you know where your test center is well in advance of your test day so you do not get lost on the day of the test. On the night before the test, gather together the materials you will need the next day:
- Your admission ticket
- Two forms of identification (e.g., driver's license, student identification card, or current alien registration card)
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
- Directions to the test center
- A wristwatch (if you wish) but not one that makes noise, as it may disturb other test-takers
On the day of the test, you should wake up early (it is hoped after a decent night's rest) and have a good breakfast. Dress comfortably so that you are not distracted by being too hot or too cold while taking the test. Also, plan to arrive at the test center early. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and relax before the test, and will also spare you the stress of being late. If you arrive after the test begins, you will not be admitted and you will not receive a refund.
During the Test
When you arrive at the test center, try to find a seat where you feel you will be comfortable. Follow all the rules and instructions given by the test supervisor. If you do not, you risk being dismissed from the test and having your scores canceled.
Once all the test materials are passed out, the test instructor will give you directions for filling out your answer sheet. Fill this sheet out carefully since the information you supply will appear on your score report.
After the Test
When you have completed the SAT Spanish Subject Test, you may hand in your test materials and leave. Then, go home and relax!
