in line 33, the word “host” most nearly means

1. one who has guests
2. a huge number
3. the target of a parasite
4. bread eaten at communion
5. a presenter

without having a passage in front of you, you might be tempted to choose (a), since it is the primary definition.  but think again, because it is rarely the case.

try this short exercise:

i love the people we have encountered in both short and long stays in various us cities.  these people are my tribe—we enjoy the same music, food, and authors. but in scotland, i am naturally encountering people with different experiences from different, but neighboring tribes.

in line 2, the word “tribe” most nearly means

1. a group of people from the same native american background
2. a group of people who share the same language
3. a group of people from the same family
4. a group of people who do not live in a particular town
5. a group of people related by experience, custom, and tradition

again, answer (a) might be appealing because it is perhaps the one that is on the tip of your tongue.  but the author has all but defined the word for you: those who “enjoy the same music, food, and authors.”  answer (b) is too limiting.  answer (c) seems to violate the author’s point in the first sentence about encountering different people in different cities.  answer (d) also does not resonate with the definition given either.  answer choice (e) is the best answer.

try this one:

i described my emotion at playing my first round of golf as “terrified.”  my emotion at playing my third round, then, might be described best as “fearful stupefaction.”  i could hardly remember a thing about how to swing.  funnily, the results of both rounds were the same.  smartly-dressed golfers in front of me, teed up, swung, and rolled the golf ball about twenty yards to the left. i can do that.

in line 2, the word “stupefaction” most nearly means

1. a state of being unable to think clearly
2. a state of being shocked or surprised
3. a state of being fatigued
4. a state of being calmed
5. a state of being clear-headed under pressure

in context we know that whatever “stupefaction” is, it is a more extreme version of “terrified” in line 1.  this is indicated by the connecting word, “then.” so that excludes (c), (d), and (e).  the sentence about forgetting how to swing doesn’t fit with being shocked or surprised, so (a) is the best answer.

the post sat vocabulary in context—avoid the first definition appeared first on magoosh blog | high school.

when you sit down to take the sat after several weeks of this pattern, the adrenaline from your brain may carry you until your body realizes that you don’t have a tiger chasing you. the caffeine from your latte may sharpen you until its effectiveness begins to wane. the sugar from your bear claw may jolt you awake until your body processes it. but if you aren’t adequately–and consistently–rested as you prepare for your exam, you might find yourself halfway through a math section trying to remember the difference between a variable and a vegetable. poor sleep could have some dire consequences. proper sleep habits are going to have long-term benefits.

i’m not talking only about the night before the exam. of course you shouldn’t watch all of ted again on that friday. in fact, some studies show student performance after just one night of poor sleep isn’t that bad. i’m talking about your sleep over the course of weeks or months.

your consistently poor sleep patterns don’t affect only you. it can lead to annoying teachers, friends, and family by causing you to repeat the following sentences over and over:

• “now, where did i put that review sheet?” (because of poor organization)
• “i’m so stressed i can’t even.” (because of increased anxiety)
• “i do not have a bad attitude.” (because of a lowered mood)

so commit to getting some solid shuteye. have a realistic and consistent sleep and wake time. your body likes the pattern. limit electronics in the hours before bed. your body likes twelve angry men rather than angry birds. and of course, plan ahead with your schoolwork and activities to make sleep possible. your body, mind, and exam score will all thank you.

the post sweet dreams: the effect of sleep on student learning appeared first on magoosh blog | high school.