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Story: Students
To Face Newly Designed Sat , 03/07/05
Reading Comprehension Questions:
2. Why did the College Board decide to change the format of the SAT?
3. What do some critical teachers think of the new writing section?
4. How do students feel about the new writing section, according to the article?
5. Why do test preparation companies like the changes in the SAT?
6. Do you have to take the SAT to get into a college or university?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. Have you taken the SAT yet? What do you think of the new changes to the SAT? Do you think that they are an improvement on the old SAT? Why or why not? If you've taken both, compare and contrast the two versions of the test. 2. Do you agree or disagree with English teacher Mark Franek when he says the following: "Students would be better served by consistently reading the commentary section of the local newspaper -- and then periodically writing letters to the editor -- than by sitting through the painfully boring lesson plans that these changes to the SAT are likely to inspire." Explain your answer using examples of your own writing experiences. 3. Pretend that you are a college or university admissions counselor. How would you pick students to attend your institution? How important would the SAT, or other tests like the ACT, be in making that decision? Explain your answer with examples. 4. Should SAT test takers have to disclose on their scores if they took a test preparation course? Why or why not? Do you think students who take such courses get an unfair advantage over students who cannot take such a course? Why or why not? Write a 500-800 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |