SAT

📘 SAT study guides (4)

Start with the maths vocabulary: many students know the maths but lose marks on the English wording. Words in Context vocabulary, grammar rule cards and original practice questions are being added. SAT is a trademark of College Board; check the official site for the latest test details.

Grammar rule cards (240 practice questions)

Reading and Writing practice (100 questions)

Math practice (100 questions)

⏱ Timed module practice (Reading and Writing · Math)

• exponential function

  noun

  A function of the form f(x) = a·bˣ, where the variable is in the exponent.

  Population growth can be modelled by an exponential function.

• exponential growth

  noun

  Increase by the same percentage over equal time periods.

  The bacteria show exponential growth, doubling every hour.

• expression

  noun

  In maths, a combination of numbers, variables and operations without an equals sign.

  Simplify the expression 2(x + 3) − x.

• factor

  noun

  In maths, a number or expression that divides another exactly.

  3 is a factor of 12.

• factorise

  verb

  To write an expression as a product of its factors (US: factor).

  Factorise x² − 9 as (x − 3)(x + 3).

• fashion

  verb

  In context: to make or shape something, especially by hand.

  Early people fashioned tools from stone.

• for example

  phrase

  A transition that introduces an example that supports the previous claim.

  Many plants are poisonous. For example, oleander can harm pets.

• for instance

  phrase

  A transition that introduces an example.

  Some birds use tools; for instance, crows bend wire into hooks.

• foster

  verb

  To encourage something to develop.

  The program fosters curiosity in young students.

• fraction

  noun

  A number that shows part of a whole, written as one number over another.

  Write 0.6 as a fraction in simplest form.

• frequency

  noun

  In statistics, the number of times a value or category appears.

  The frequency of the score 8 is 5.

• frequency table

  noun

  A table that shows how often each value or category occurs.

  Use the frequency table to find the median.

• function

  noun

  In maths, a rule that gives exactly one output for each input.

  The function f(x) = 2x + 3 gives f(1) = 5.

• function notation

  noun

  Writing a function as f(x), which means the value of f at x.

  In function notation, f(4) means the output when x is 4.

• furthermore

  adverbAWL 6

  Used to introduce additional supporting information

  Furthermore, the data suggest a long-term effect.

• galvanize

  verb

  To shock or inspire people into taking action (UK and Australia: galvanise).

  The disaster galvanized volunteers across the country.

• granted

  adverb

  A transition that admits a point before arguing against it.

  Granted, the sample was small, but the pattern was very clear.

• graph

  noun / verb

  A drawing that shows the relationship between values; to draw such a drawing.

  The graph of the function is a parabola.

• grave

  adjective

  In context: very serious and worrying.

  The report raised grave concerns about water quality.

• growth factor

  noun

  The number b in an exponential model that each value is multiplied by, such as 1.05 for 5% growth.

  A growth factor of 1.05 means a 5% increase each year.

• harbor

  verb

  In context: to keep a feeling or thought in your mind for a long time (UK and Australia: harbour).

  He harboured doubts about the plan.

• hence

  adverbAWL 4

  For this reason; therefore (formal).

  The road was flooded, hence the delay.

• highlight

  verb / nounAWL 8

  To draw attention to something important; the best part of something.

  The report highlights the need for more nurses.

• hinder

  verb

  To make it difficult for something to happen.

  Lack of funding hindered the research.

• histogram

  noun

  A bar graph showing how many data values fall into each interval.

  The histogram shows most students slept 7–8 hours.