Active vs. Passive Voice

Passive language is awkward and wordy. The SAT grammar section does not like sentences written in the passive voice. Make sure the subject is actively "doing" whatever is meant. For example "Steve loves Amy" is a much better sentence than "Amy is loved by Steve" Steve is the subject and he is doing the loving. Amy is the "object" of Steve's affection. Please listen to a short 4 minute lesson from Grammar Girl by clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/dcUyMP

Jerry Rice--SAT Philosopher?

NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice once said: "Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't."

During his playing days, Rice's off season conditioning regimen was legendary. He worked out incessantly in preparation for the grueling NFL season.

I have said many times that the "game" is often won in practice.

How does this quote apply to your studying?

The Voice and the Tone of a Passage

Voice and Tone are two similar but subtly different concepts in critical reading. Learning to "feel" the writer through his or her voice is an important SAT Critical Reading skill. Many times a student will answer questions about a passage incorrectly because he or she will incorporate his or her world view into the passage. Hint--Your opinion does not count! The questions will start off with language such as "According to the author......" Not "According to Jim Smith.....

Once again Grammar Girl has an excellent discussion of voice and tone, please read or listen to the audio version by clicking here: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com