Day 01 · Grade 7 · Unit: Narrative & Argument
Master English,
Own the Exam.
Study the examples carefully — then test yourself below. No cheating. You've got this.
Core Vocabulary
SAT · IB · Academic Word List
Vocabulary · 01
ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/
adjective
Open to more than one interpretation; unclear or uncertain in meaning.
"The instructions were so ambiguous that half the class answered differently."
Memory Key
AMBI = both sides → goes BOTH ways → unclear
Vocabulary · 02
infer
/ɪnˈfɜːr/
verb
To conclude or decide from evidence and reasoning, not from direct statement.
"From her silence, we can infer that she disagreed with the plan."
Memory Key
INFER ≠ IMPLY → reader INFERS, writer IMPLIES
Vocabulary · 03
prevalent
/ˈprev.ə.lənt/
adjective
Widespread; existing or occurring frequently in a particular area or time.
"Smartphone use has become increasingly prevalent among teenagers worldwide."
Memory Key
PREVALENT = PREVALent = so common it PREVAILS
Reading Comprehension
Inference · Main Idea · Author's Purpose
Study Passage · Annotated
The Quiet Revolution of Silent Reading
In the ancient world, reading aloud was the norm—even when alone. Silent reading was considered extraordinary, even suspicious. When St. Augustine observed his mentor Ambrose reading without moving his lips, he described it as remarkable. Today, however, silent reading is so universal that we barely think about it. This shift, historians argue, reflects deeper changes in how humans relate to knowledge: from collective ritual to private contemplation. The rise of the printing press in the 15th century accelerated this transformation by making books affordable for individuals rather than just institutions.
📌 Passage Reading Strategy
TOPIC → SHIFT → POINT (TSP Method)
Topic = silent reading | Shift = "however" | Point = history reflects deeper cultural change
Always find the contrast word (however / yet / but / although) — that's where the main idea lives.
Always find the contrast word (however / yet / but / although) — that's where the main idea lives.
Exam Trap
WRONG: "printing press invented silent reading" → passage says it ACCELERATED, not created!
Grammar Essentials
Clauses · Modifiers · Subject-Verb Agreement
Grammar Focus · Misplaced Modifiers
THE RULE: Modifiers must touch what they modify
[ Modifier ] + [ Subject it describes ] + [ Verb ] + ...
A modifier that doesn't immediately precede/follow its noun = DANGLING / MISPLACED
Running through the park, the rain started falling.
→
Running through the park, she felt the rain start falling.
The teacher explained the rule to the students that was confusing.
→
The teacher explained the confusing rule to the students.
Memory Key
-ING phrase at start → first noun after comma IS the doer. Always.
Exam-Specific Strategy
SAT Writing · IB Paper 1 Tricks
SAT / IB Trap Patterns
⚠️ The "Tempting Wrong Answer" Pattern
RELATED ≠ CORRECT · TOO EXTREME ≠ CORRECT · OUT OF SCOPE = TRAP
SAT Reading wrong answers are often true statements about the world but not supported by the passage. Always ask: "Can I point to a specific line?"
IB Paper 1 Key
EFFECT of language → name device + quote + explain purpose (3-part answer)
Self Test
10 questions · Select one answer · Explanations reveal after each choice
0 / 10 answered
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