Introduction to Teachers 授课老师介绍

This 1-semester course of twenty-five intensive 1-hour lessons for SAT (English) preparation consists of two major components: Reading and Language. It is based on the newly redesigned SAT test. A third component is available for those wishing to write the optional* essay portion of the exam. See below for more detailed information.

Students will receive a clear course outline, regular access to online classes during weekdays after school and evenings, official practice tests/exams, regular feedback, assessment and progress reports. All classes are held via Zoom meeting and Google Classroom is used to

assign/grade student work. Student enrollment is ongoing for 1:1 or small-groups. Please contact for tuition rates, class schedules and current availability.

Reading Section: This component aims to develop students’ ability to comprehend written text, understand the meaning of words in different contexts as well as their associated terms with implied meanings.

The questions in this section are mainly centred around the following:

• The function a phrase serves in the passage

• The tone, style, perspective, and attitude of the author 

• Analyzing data on the basis of diagrams, charts, and graphs  

•  The central theme or main idea of the passage

• Inference of a phrase in a paragraph 

•  Arguments or evidence that supports the author’s stance

Writing and Language Section: Students are trained to find errors, rephrase and rewrite highlighted sentences with alternative text, amongst other features. This component focuses on assessing the candidate’s understanding of vocabulary as well as grammar.

The questions in this section are mainly centred around the following:

• Sentence structure, parallel construction, grammar usage, punctuation, etc.

• Strengthening the argument

• Word choice for style, text or tone

• Structural changes to improve readability

Essay*: The optional SAT essay is currently being phased out. However, a few schools are still requiring it. The essay component of the SAT Test prepares students’ abilities for analysing the quality of writing as well as English comprehension. The essay question response (650-700 words) focusses on an issue and asks the candidate to take a stance on one side of the topic.

* It is advised to research whether your school(s) of choice require examination of this optional SAT component. It varies not only by State, but also by school and program.

This 1-semester course of twenty-five intensive 1-hour lessons SSAT (English) preparation course is designed to address the individual needs and testing date of the student. We will cover three major components of the SSAT (English) exam: Writing, Reading Section and Verbal Section (including vocabulary and analogies). Regular homework is assigned and timely feedback is given and explained by the tutor.

Writing: The timed narrative writing sample is not “scored”, but is used to get to know the student and is considered when applying to various schools. This component is practiced and timed as part of the overall SSAT exam preparation.

Reading: This component aims to develop students’ ability to comprehend written text, understand the meaning of words in different contexts as well as their associated terms with implied meanings. Various genres will be critically explored including scientific/natural world non-fiction, narrative fiction, historical documents, etc. Literary elements and devices used in poetry will be examined as well. The questions in this section are mainly centred

around the following:

• The central theme or main idea of the passage

• Comprehension questions

• Literary elements and devices

Verbal: This component helps develop students’ written fluency, structure, grammar and vocabulary. The questions in this section are mainly centred around the following:

• Sentence structure, grammar usage, punctuation, etc.

• Vocabulary and word choice

• Synonyms/antonyms

Class 1

R: A3000 Article: “Throw Out Old Computers? No Way!” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Introduction to “The Writing Process” and introduction to narrative essays.

Prewriting/planning for Narrative Essay #1

Vocabulary: Word List #1

Analogies: Introduction to Analogy (pattern and types), Analogy Practice Activity #1

Class 2 & 3

R: A3000 Article: “Water Clean Up Crew” and “Water Worries” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Review of “The Writing Process” and narrative essays. Rough draft editing and revising of Narrative Essay #1. Prewriting/planning for Narrative Essay #2

Vocabulary: Word List #2

Analogies: Review of Introduction to Analogy (pattern and types), Analogy Practice Activity #2

Mock SSAT Test #1 (timed)

Class 4 & 5

R: A3000 Article: “Looking Out for Giraffes” and “Using Music to Bring People Together” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Final/published copy (application of feedback) of Narrative Essay #2. Introduction to concrete and sensory details. Rough draft editing and revising of Narrative Essay #2.

Prewriting/planning for Narrative Essay #3

Vocabulary: Word List #3

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #3

Class 6 & 7

R: A3000 Article: “A New Way to Grow Food” and “Three Weeks, Three Walks” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Introduction to persuasive essays. Introduction to writing a “Hook”. Prewriting/planning for Persuasive Essay #1.

Vocabulary: Word List #4

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #4

Mock SSAT Test #2 (timed)

Class 8 & 9

R: A3000 Article: “Feel the Music” and “Not Quite Equal” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Final/published copy (application of feedback) of Persuasive Essay #1. Rough draft editing and revising of Persuasive Essay #1. Prewriting Persuasive Essay #2.

Vocabulary: Word List #5

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #5

Class 10 & 11

R: A3000 Article: “The BTS Connection” and “Virtual Reality, Real Fun” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Review persuasive essays and hooks. Rough draft editing and revising of Persuasive Essay #2. Prewriting Persuasive Essay #3.

Vocabulary: Word List #6

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #6

Mock SSAT Test #3 (timed)

Class 12 & 13

R: A3000 Article: “Robot Nation” and “Bringing Science to Life” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Rough draft editing and revising of Persuasive Essay #3. Prewriting Persuasive Essay #4.

Vocabulary: Word List #7

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #7

Class 14 & 15

R: A3000 Article: “Tidying Up Out Space” and “Point and Read” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Persuasive Essay #4. Introduction to Expository Essays. Prewriting Expository Essay #1.

Vocabulary: Word List #8

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #8

Mock SSAT Test #4 (timed)

Class 16 &17

R: A3000 Article: “Games for Change” and “One Smart Bird” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Expository Essay #1. Prewriting/planning and rough draft of Expository Essay #2.

Vocabulary: Word List #9

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #9

Class 18 & 19

R: A3000 Article: “Age of Revolution” and “Water Found on Saturn’s Moon” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Expository Essay #2. Sharing of final/published writing.

Prewriting/planning and rough draft of Expository Essay #3.

Vocabulary: Word List #10

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #10

Mock SSAT Test #5 (timed)

Class 20 & 21

R: A3000 Article: “Breaking Balloon Records” and “Yes, It’s Real” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Expository Essay #3. Sharing of final/published writing. Introduction to Creative Writing. Review of concrete and sensory details. Pre-writing for Creative Writing #1.

Vocabulary: Word List #11

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #11

Class 22 & 23

R: A3000 Article: “Cars Are Changing India” and “Queen Yu-Na” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Creative Writing #2. Sharing of final/published writing.

Prewriting/planning and rough draft of Creative Writing #3.

Vocabulary: Word List #12

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #12

Mock SSAT Test #6 (timed)

Class 24 & 25

R: A3000 Article: “Earliest Peoples - Saving the Paintings” and “Chowing Down in Mesopotamia” to practice oral reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking

W: Editing and revising of Creative Writing #3. Sharing of final/published writing.

Prewriting/planning and rough draft of Creative Writing #3.

Vocabulary: Word List #13

Analogies: Analogy Practice Activity #13

Mock SSAT Test #7 (timed)