Question

How do I improve my writing skills for the SAT?
(Honestly I just generally want to improve my PSAT results in general).

Currently my PSAT scores are:
Mathematics: 550
Reading: 470
Writing: 370

I did really bad :-/, so I really need to figure out how to get better.

Answer 1

Practice Practice Practice!!

I would suggest reviewing what you are graded on. If there is a writing rubric, REALLY review it. Know exactly WHAT you are being graded on, and focus upon achieving it.

Also, there are some PSAT and SAT review sites that can help you prepare for them. Make sure to check them out!

Answer 2

The best thing for use of memory is consolidation. This means recollection, which is closely related to self testing. In other words, the more you quiz yourself, the more likely you are to remember things for use on a test.

Answer 3

Yup, I have been drilling myself for the past few days, it helps as I am able to solve the question in the prep-book much faster.
I am curious as to how to improve my writing score (I'm not a native, Englishman).
Is there anything you recommend @e.mccormick like any books, that I should read?

Answer 4

I have a book called English Grammar for Japanese Learners. It is in and on English, but helps show how the grammar translates. There should be a similar book for any major language. They may even have something that goes the other direction. As you learn the nuances of grammar, your writing should improve.

MIT has several open courseware classes, including ones for ESL learners. Any advanced ESL class should cover some good stuff because you are obviously past the basics. However, I can't say which would be helpful. You would need to look at the topics covered to see if it was of a proper level for you.

Answer 5

I'll try out MIT's OpenCourseWare classes for ESL. It doesn't hurt to try :-P.
Currently I have only taken up to the equivalent of an American's English composition class (10th grade).

Answer 6

If you have a good grasp of the 10th grade concepts, most of the rest of high school is literature classes to expand vocabulary.

Try the English classes here:
https://education-portal.com

And here:
http://www.saylor.org/

Saylor also has a library of open source books that are at the college level. I would get books or classes in your primary area of interest and go through them for terminology.

Answer 7

Thanks, I will be sure to check them out in my free time. :-)

Answer 8

Oh, and the authors of the content at both those sites are graduate degree holders. So they know their topics pretty well.