SAT Tips for ESL/ELL Students

Taking the SAT can be a major hurdle in the college application process, and for students for whom English is a second language, it can present unique challenges. However, with the right preparation and strategies, you can excel. This guide is designed to help ESL (English as a Second Language) and ELL (English Language Learner) students navigate the SAT successfully.

Contents

• Navigating the SAT as an English Language Learner
• Strategies for the Reading Section
• Strategies for the Writing & Language Section
• Panchi: Your Partner in SAT English Prep

Navigating the SAT as an English Language Learner

The SAT is a standardized test that assesses college readiness, and its English sections, Reading and Writing & Language, are vocabulary and comprehension-intensive. As an ESL/ELL student, you might find these sections particularly demanding due to complex texts and nuanced questions. Recognizing this is the first step toward building a targeted study plan.

Strategies for the Reading Section

The Reading section requires you to understand and analyze passages from a variety of subjects. Here are some tips:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: Use flashcards and vocabulary apps to learn new words. Focus on words commonly found in academic texts.
• Active Reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points, taking notes in the margins, and summarizing paragraphs as you read.
• Focus on the Main Idea: For each passage, try to identify the author’s main argument or purpose. This will help you answer broader questions about the text.

Strategies for the Writing & Language Section

This section tests your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and style.

• Master Grammar Rules: The SAT tests a specific set of grammar rules. Identify your weak areas and practice them consistently.
• Pay Attention to Sentence Structure: Understand how to correctly form and combine sentences. Look out for common errors like run-on sentences and fragments.
• Use Process of Elimination: If you’re unsure about an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect. This is one of many useful test-taking strategies.

Panchi: Your Partner in SAT English Prep

To succeed on the SAT English sections, consistent practice is key. Panchi offers a comprehensive platform for ESL/ELL students, with a vast QBank of SAT English questions. Our questions are categorized by type, allowing you to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. With our web and mobile apps, you can practice anytime, anywhere, and track your progress on our leaderboards. While we don’t offer tutoring, our platform is designed to provide the targeted practice you need to build confidence and improve your score.