Grade: Grade 11 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Review Cycles SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Mixed Set

Learn

Mixed practice sets are the final stage of an effective review cycle. Unlike topic-focused drills, mixed sets force you to identify question types and switch strategies rapidly - just like on the real test.

Why Mixed Practice Matters

  • Context Switching: Trains your brain to shift between algebra, geometry, and data analysis
  • Pattern Recognition: Develops ability to quickly identify question types
  • Test Simulation: Mirrors the actual SAT/ACT experience
  • Interleaving Effect: Research shows mixed practice improves long-term retention

Building Effective Mixed Sets

Set Type Questions Time Purpose
Mini Mixed 10 12 min Daily warm-up
Standard Mixed 20 25 min Regular practice
Weakness Focus 15 20 min 70% weak areas, 30% strong
Full Section 38-60 55-60 min Test simulation

The Complete Review Cycle

  1. Identify weaknesses from recent practice (Lesson 1)
  2. Reinforce concepts through focused study (Lesson 2)
  3. Categorize question types you'll encounter (Lesson 3)
  4. Do timed drills on specific categories (Lesson 4)
  5. Analyze mistakes and log errors (Lesson 5)
  6. Mixed practice to integrate everything (This lesson)
  7. Repeat the cycle every 1-2 weeks

Examples

Example: Creating a Weakness-Focus Mixed Set

Student's weak areas: Quadratics (30% correct), Percentages (50% correct)

Student's strong areas: Linear equations (85% correct), Basic geometry (80% correct)

Set composition for 15 questions:

  • 5 quadratic questions (weakness)
  • 4 percentage questions (weakness)
  • 3 linear equation questions (maintenance)
  • 3 geometry questions (maintenance)

Example: Mixed Set Strategy During the Test

First Pass (40% of time):

  • Do all questions you immediately recognize
  • Mark uncertain ones with a star
  • Skip anything that looks like it needs more than 90 seconds

Second Pass (40% of time):

  • Return to starred questions
  • Work through medium-difficulty items
  • Make educated guesses on very hard ones

Final Pass (20% of time):

  • Check answers if time permits
  • Ensure all questions are answered (no penalty for guessing)

Practice

Complete this mixed set in 12 minutes. Identify the question type before solving:

1. [Algebra] If 4x - 7 = 13, what is 8x - 14?

A) 20   B) 26   C) 40   D) 33

2. [Geometry] A square has perimeter 36. What is its area?

A) 81   B) 72   C) 144   D) 36

3. [Data] The mean of 5 test scores is 84. If four scores are 78, 82, 88, and 90, what is the fifth score?

A) 80   B) 82   C) 84   D) 86

4. [Percent] A shirt originally priced at $60 is on sale for 30% off. What is the sale price?

A) $18   B) $42   C) $48   D) $30

5. [Quadratic] What are the solutions to x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0?

A) x = 2 and x = 3   B) x = -2 and x = -3   C) x = 1 and x = 6   D) x = -1 and x = -6

6. [Ratio] The ratio of red to blue marbles in a bag is 3:5. If there are 40 marbles total, how many are red?

A) 12   B) 15   C) 24   D) 25

7. [Functions] If f(x) = 2x^2 - 3, what is f(-2)?

A) 5   B) 11   C) -11   D) 1

8. [Geometry] A circle has diameter 10. What is its area?

A) 10pi   B) 25pi   C) 50pi   D) 100pi

9. [Linear] What is the y-intercept of the line 3x - 2y = 12?

A) 12   B) 6   C) -6   D) 4

10. [Exponents] Simplify: (2^3)(2^4)

A) 2^7   B) 2^12   C) 4^7   D) 4^12

Answer Key

1-B (8x-14 = 2(4x-7) = 2(13) = 26)

2-A (side = 9, area = 81)

3-B (5 x 84 = 420, 420 - 338 = 82)

4-B (60 x 0.70 = 42)

5-A (factors to (x-2)(x-3) = 0)

6-B (3/8 x 40 = 15)

7-A (2(4) - 3 = 5)

8-B (radius = 5, area = 25pi)

9-C (when x=0: -2y=12, y=-6)

10-A (add exponents: 3+4=7)

Check Your Understanding

Q1: Why is mixed practice more effective than topic-focused practice for test preparation?

Q2: What is the "interleaving effect" and how does it apply to SAT/ACT prep?

Q3: How should you compose a "weakness focus" mixed set?

Q4: Describe the three-pass strategy for timed mixed sections.

Next Steps

  • Create weekly mixed sets based on your error log patterns
  • Aim for at least 2 mixed practice sessions per week
  • Track your improvement across question categories
  • Return to the beginning of this unit to start a new review cycle
  • Use full-length practice tests monthly to measure overall progress

Unit Complete!

You've learned the complete Review Cycles system:

  1. Weakness Review - Identifying what needs work
  2. Concept Reinforcement - Strengthening understanding
  3. Question Types - Recognizing and categorizing problems
  4. Timed Drill - Building speed and accuracy
  5. Review Mistakes - Learning from errors systematically
  6. Mixed Set - Integrating all skills together

Continue to the next unit in your SAT/ACT Skills preparation!