Frequent reading errors:
- Reading every word and running out of time.
- Guessing without evidence on inference/vocabulary questions.
- Ignoring paragraph purpose and text organization.
Actionable solutions:
- Read for structure first: note the purpose of each paragraph (cause, contrast, example).
- For vocab-in-context, replace the word with a paraphrase that fits the sentence.
- For inference, underline the sentence you’re inferring from; don’t invent facts.
Top-scorer tip: Keep a “trap log” of wrong answers and the trap used (extreme word, outside knowledge, half-true). Review before each practice set.
Example: Passage: “Approval, far from perfunctory, required an arduous review.” Question: “Arduous” most nearly means… Incorrect: “quick” (common but opposite). Improved: “difficult” (fits context and contrast with “perfunctory”).
Frequent Listening errors:
- Taking either no notes or trying to write everything.
- Missing the speaker’s purpose/attitude and lecture structure.
- Falling for distractors that repeat lecture wording.
Actionable solutions:
- Use two columns: left = main ideas/transitions (however, first, as a result), right = key details/examples.
- Always capture purpose (to explain, to refute) and stance (skeptical, supportive).
- After each section, silently summarize the main point in one sentence.
Top-scorer tip: Develop a personal symbol set: ∴ (therefore), ≠ (contradicts), ↑/↓ (increase/decrease), “ex?” (example coming).
Example: Lecture gist: Professor presents multiple causes of frog decline, then argues pesticide evidence is strongest. Incorrect main idea: “Frogs decline because of habitat loss.” Improved: “Multiple causes are discussed; professor emphasizes pesticides as the most convincing factor.”
Frequent speaking errors:
- Rambling or running out of time.
- Memorized templates with vague examples.
- Monotone delivery that masks organization.
Actionable solutions:
- Use a 15-5-25-5 second frame (hook, reason 1, reason 2 with example, wrap).
- Prefer simple, clear sentences over complex ones under time pressure.
- Signal structure out loud: “First…, For example…, Additionally…, So…”
Top-scorer tip: Record yourself and aim for “one idea per breath.” Clarity beats speed.
Independent task prompt: Do you agree students should be required to take PE? Incorrect: “Yes, because exercise is good and, um, we need health and it’s important for, like, everyone…” Improved: “Yes. First, required PE builds consistent habits; for instance, my school’s daily 20-minute run cut nurse visits by half. Second, it improves focus—after PE, my quiz scores rose because I felt more alert. So schools should require it.”
Frequent writing errors:
- Integrated: copying wording or missing how the lecture challenges the passage.
- Independent: listing claims without development or relevant examples.
- Weak editing: subject-verb and article errors.
Actionable solutions:
- Integrated blueprint: Reading says A/B/C; Lecture refutes A/B/C by X/Y/Z. Use contrast signals (however, in contrast).
- Independent: MEAL per body paragraph (Main idea, Evidence/example, Analysis, Link back).
- Reserve 2 minutes for a final pass: articles, verb tense, pronouns, and one sentence simplification.
Top-scorer tip: Paraphrase with category shifts: “is important” → “plays a central role,” “researchers found” → “the study reports.”
Integrated example: Incorrect: “The lecture supports the reading about solar roads.” Improved: “While the reading claims solar roads are cost-effective, the lecturer argues installation and maintenance costs exceed projected savings; she adds that efficiency drops when panels lie flat and shading from traffic further reduces output.”
Adopt these small, specific habits, and your score rises not by luck, but by design.