Mixed Practice Set
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Why Mixed Practice Matters
On the actual SAT and ACT, questions from different domains appear in unpredictable order. Mixed practice trains your brain to quickly identify question types and switch between strategies. This "interleaved" practice has been shown to improve long-term retention and test performance compared to practicing one topic at a time.
Strategies for Mixed Practice
Rapid Question Classification
When you encounter a question, quickly identify:
- Domain: Reading, Writing, or Math
- Skill: What specific concept is being tested?
- Difficulty: Should you solve it now or flag it for later?
Flexible Thinking
Be ready to shift between:
- Analytical reading (finding evidence, identifying tone)
- Grammar rules (conventions, sentence structure)
- Mathematical reasoning (algebra, geometry, data analysis)
Maintaining Focus
Mixed practice can be mentally demanding. Build stamina by:
- Practicing in longer sessions as test day approaches
- Simulating test conditions (timed, no distractions)
- Taking brief mental resets between question types
How to Use This Practice Set
This set includes questions from reading, writing, and math. Work through them in order without skipping ahead to answers. After completing all questions, review your performance and log any errors using the system from the previous lesson.
Examples
Example: Switching Between Question Types
Imagine you just solved a challenging algebra problem requiring you to isolate a variable. The next question asks you to identify the author's tone in a passage excerpt. How do you switch gears?
Mental Reset Process:
- Take a breath and acknowledge the transition
- Read the new question completely before engaging
- Activate the relevant skill set: "This is a tone question - I need to look for word choice and attitude"
- Avoid carrying over the analytical mindset from the math problem
This conscious transition takes only a few seconds but prevents the careless errors that occur when you are still thinking about the previous question type.
Practice
Complete this mixed practice set. Questions cover reading, writing, and math skills. Try to complete all 10 questions in 15 minutes.
1. [Math - Algebra] If 4x - 3 = 2x + 9, what is the value of x?
Show Answer
Subtract 2x from both sides: 2x - 3 = 9
Add 3 to both sides: 2x = 12
Divide by 2: x = 6
2. [Writing - Grammar] "The research team, which includes scientists from five countries, are publishing their findings next month." What is the correct verb?
Show Answer
The subject is "team" (singular), not "scientists." The correct verb is "is publishing". The phrase "which includes scientists from five countries" is a nonessential clause that does not change the subject number.
3. [Reading - Evidence] A passage states: "Despite initial skepticism from established physicists, Einstein's theory of relativity eventually revolutionized our understanding of space and time." What can be inferred about early reactions to Einstein's work?
Show Answer
The phrase "despite initial skepticism from established physicists" indicates that Einstein's theory was not immediately accepted by the scientific community. The word "despite" signals that acceptance came later, after overcoming doubt.
4. [Math - Percent] A store marks up the cost of a product by 40% to set the retail price. If the retail price is $84, what was the original cost?
Show Answer
Let cost = C. Then 1.40C = $84.
C = $84 / 1.40 = $60
5. [Writing - Transitions] "The company expanded rapidly during the 1990s. _______, it faced significant financial difficulties by 2001." Which transition best fits?
Show Answer
"However" or "Nevertheless" is appropriate because the second sentence presents a contrast to the first. The company's rapid expansion is being contrasted with later financial problems.
6. [Reading - Main Idea] A paragraph discusses how coral reefs support marine biodiversity, protect coastlines from storms, and provide economic benefits through tourism and fishing. What is the main idea?
Show Answer
The main idea is that coral reefs provide multiple important benefits (ecological, protective, and economic). The paragraph lists several values of coral reefs rather than focusing on just one aspect.
7. [Math - Geometry] A rectangle has a length that is 3 times its width. If the perimeter is 64 cm, what is the area?
Show Answer
Let width = w, then length = 3w.
Perimeter = 2(w + 3w) = 8w = 64
w = 8 cm, length = 24 cm
Area = 8 x 24 = 192 cm2
8. [Writing - Concision] Which is more concise: "She made the decision to resign from her position" or "She decided to resign"?
Show Answer
"She decided to resign" is more concise. "Made the decision to" is a wordy construction that can be replaced with the single verb "decided." "From her position" is implied and unnecessary.
9. [Reading - Vocabulary in Context] "The author's provocative essay challenged readers to reconsider their assumptions." In this context, provocative most nearly means:
(A) offensive (B) thought-provoking (C) aggressive (D) amusing
Show Answer
(B) thought-provoking. The context clue "challenged readers to reconsider their assumptions" suggests the essay stimulated thinking rather than being offensive, aggressive, or amusing.
10. [Math - Data Analysis] The average score of 5 students is 82. When a sixth student's score is added, the average becomes 84. What was the sixth student's score?
Show Answer
Sum of 5 scores = 5 x 82 = 410
Sum of 6 scores = 6 x 84 = 504
Sixth score = 504 - 410 = 94
Check Your Understanding
After completing the mixed practice, reflect on your performance:
- How many questions did you answer correctly on the first try?
- Which question type felt most challenging during this set?
- Did you successfully manage transitions between question types?
- Did you maintain your pace throughout, or did you slow down?
- Which errors (if any) were content, careless, or strategic?
Use your answers to guide additional practice in your weaker areas.
Next Steps
- Log any mistakes using the error log system from the previous lesson
- Identify patterns in your performance across different question types
- Practice additional mixed sets regularly to build stamina
- Return to earlier lessons in this unit to reinforce specific skills
- Congratulations on completing the Question Bank Practice unit!