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Foundations & Skills Tutorials

Short lessons to build core reading, writing, and math skills.

Reading: Main Idea

Key Tips:

  • Look for the topic sentence in each paragraph
  • The main idea is usually stated in the first or last paragraph
  • Eliminate answers that are too specific or too broad
  • Consider what the entire passage is trying to convey

Example: If a passage discusses the history of coffee cultivation, the main idea is likely about coffee's historical development, not just one specific fact.

Reading: Inference

Key Tips:

  • Inferences are conclusions based on evidence in the text
  • Don't infer beyond what the text supports
  • Look for clues in word choice and tone
  • Avoid answers that require outside knowledge

Example: If a character "sighed heavily" and "stared out the window," you can infer they're feeling sad or contemplative.

Writing: Sentence Structure

Key Tips:

  • Ensure subjects and verbs agree in number
  • Watch for run-on sentences and fragments
  • Use parallel structure in lists
  • Keep related ideas together

Example: "The team was excited" (correct) vs. "The team were excited" (incorrect - team is singular).

Writing: Punctuation

Key Tips:

  • Use commas to separate items in a list
  • Semicolons connect related independent clauses
  • Apostrophes show possession or contractions
  • Colons introduce lists or explanations

Example: "I need eggs, milk, and bread" uses commas correctly in a list.

Math: Linear Equations

Key Tips:

  • Isolate the variable by doing the same operation to both sides
  • Remember: addition/subtraction undo each other
  • Multiplication/division undo each other
  • Check your answer by plugging it back in

Example: To solve 2x + 5 = 13, subtract 5 from both sides (2x = 8), then divide by 2 (x = 4).

Math: Word Problems

Key Tips:

  • Read carefully and identify what you're solving for
  • Translate words into mathematical expressions
  • Draw diagrams when helpful
  • Check if your answer makes sense in context

Example: "Twice a number plus 3 equals 11" becomes 2x + 3 = 11.

Math: Geometry Basics

Key Tips:

  • Area of rectangle = length × width
  • Area of triangle = ½ × base × height
  • Circumference of circle = 2πr
  • Area of circle = πr²

Example: A circle with radius 5 has area 25π and circumference 10π.

Test Strategy: Time Management

Key Tips:

  • Don't spend too long on one question
  • Answer easier questions first
  • Mark difficult questions and return later
  • Guess if you're running out of time

Example: If you have 65 minutes for 54 questions, aim for about 1 minute per question.