Digital assistance in Math and English
Improving Accuplacer scores is a worthwhile idea regardless of remediation policies, because it signifies improved foundation skills. Tests like Accuplacer are not just arbitrary exercises: they measure the skills required for an academic or vocational pursuit. Math and English are the foundation skills. In recent weeks we posted two blogs addressing the importance of being ready for the Accuplacer no matter the version. One post highlighted the MATH component while the other focused on ENGLISH. In both cases we shared various online tools, that if used with consistency, will most assuredly help a student improve Accuplacer scores. Here is a compilation of the online resources.
But before you start, it’s a good idea to run through a practice test. Familiarizing yourself with test questions is helpful and can be an easy way to boost your score a few points.
ACCUPLACER Classic: Sample Questions for Students
This covers:
- Sentence Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing Effectiveness
- Arithmetic
- Elementary Algebra
- College Level Mathematics
- ESL Reading Skills and Language
ANSWER KEY included
ACCUPLACER Next Generation: Practice and Preparedness
ENGLISH
IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE DAY available on Google Play and Apple Store
CREATE YOUR OWN FLASH CARDS
QUIZLET: Improve your grades by studying with flashcards, games and more.
READ the NEWS
NEW YOUR TIMES online or the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Try reading a variety of articles- news, science, business and entertainment. You get 10 free articles a month on each device for the New York Times or most newspapers, but BBC News and CNN give you unlimited access. After you finish an article, summarize what you just read. Make sure you are reading actively.
WORK on READING COMPREHENSION
ME STUDYING READING FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS and READ COMPREHENSION HIGH SCHOOL.
GRAMMAR: low cost apps
1800 ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS – This app provides grammar tests and corrects your answers.
Another good option is ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK – This app will give you many choices by level or by topic.
MATHEMATICS
COMPREHENSIVE FREE MATH PROGRAM
EDREADY, it gives you an initial diagnostic test to guide your study path. After you finish your test, you can go to the study path and choose what you want to study. (This program is not available as an app, but you can use the browser-based version on your phone.)
VISUAL ASSIST with MATH PROBLEMS
Free app called PHOTOMATH. You just take a picture of your math problem and it provides detailed step-by-step solutions. You can also access the browser-based version.
SOCRATIC MATH & HOMEWORK HELP: Socratic Math & Homework Help is accessible on your browser.
OTHER MATH APPS THAT MAY BE of INTEREST
CK-12: A great free app is ck-12. This app has many subjects and offers activities for students with different learning styles. In each topic there are exercises, videos, games and free textbook excerpts. You can also use this on your computer found here.
DRAGONBOX: One of the best low-cost game apps is DragonBox Algebra 12+ ($7.99). This app uses games and puzzles to teach algebra. Students can work through a variety of topics and have some fun while studying. To buy this app, go to the app store on your phone. You can also use your computer to study by clicking here.
KING of MATH: Another popular free or cheap app is King of Math. There is a free version and a full version for $2.99. This app also uses games to build math skills. The topics cover basic review through pre-algebra. This app could be a good starting point. It is designed for a younger audience, but you may have fun with the content. You can also use it for free in the browser-based version.
VARSITY TUTORS: For comprehensive multiple-choice practice, try High School Math Practice by Varsity Tutors. The app is free, and it can help you build your skills or prepare for a specific test. This app offers many diagnostic tests and practice in all areas of high school math. You can also use this program on your computer by clicking here.
The skills you build now will have both immediate and long-term benefits. Studying is an investment in your future.
ORIGINAL BLOG POSTS:
Part 1 of this 2-part series found here: How to Succeed in College by Really Trying: Summer Study for the Accuplacer (Part 1)
Part 2 of this 2-part series found here: Mathematics in the Summer? How to Succeed in College by Really Trying (Part 2)
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