Grade: Grade 11 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Strategy Playbook SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Mixed Practice Sets

Learn

Real standardized tests don't group questions by topic. This lesson teaches you how to effectively practice with mixed-topic sets that simulate actual test conditions and build your ability to switch between different problem types.

Why Mixed Practice Matters

  • Context Switching: The real test requires you to shift between algebra, geometry, data analysis, and more without warning
  • Strategy Selection: You must quickly identify the problem type and choose the right approach
  • Stamina Building: Sustained focus across varied content builds test-day endurance
  • Realistic Preparation: Topic-specific practice is easier than mixed practice, so mixed sets better predict your actual score

How to Structure Mixed Practice

  1. Start Small: Begin with 10-question mixed sets (10 minutes)
  2. Build Up: Progress to 20-question sets (20 minutes), then full sections
  3. Vary Difficulty: Include easy, medium, and hard questions in each set
  4. Time It: Always practice with a timer, even if you extend time initially

The Mixed Practice Protocol

  1. Pre-Set (2 min): Clear your workspace, start timer, take a breath
  2. First Pass: Work through all questions, marking any you skip
  3. Second Pass: Return to marked questions with remaining time
  4. Post-Set Review: Score, log errors, categorize mistakes

Building Your Own Mixed Sets

Create balanced sets with this distribution:

  • 25% Algebra (linear equations, inequalities, systems)
  • 25% Advanced Math (quadratics, functions, polynomials)
  • 25% Problem Solving/Data Analysis (ratios, percentages, statistics)
  • 25% Geometry/Trig (shapes, angles, coordinate geometry, trig)

Examples

Example 1: Quick Type Identification

When you see each question, quickly categorize it:

  • "Solve 3x + 7 = 22" -- Algebra (linear equation)
  • "What is the area of a circle with radius 5?" -- Geometry
  • "If 40% of students passed, and 120 passed, how many total students?" -- Data Analysis (percentages)
  • "Factor x^2 - 5x + 6" -- Advanced Math (quadratics)

Example 2: Strategy Selection Under Pressure

"In a class of 30 students, the ratio of boys to girls is 2:3. How many girls are in the class?"

Type: Data Analysis (ratios)

Strategy: Total parts = 2 + 3 = 5. Each part = 30/5 = 6. Girls = 3 parts = 18.

Time check: Should take about 30-45 seconds

Example 3: Knowing When to Skip

Complex word problem involving overlapping sets, Venn diagrams, and three categories...

Decision process:

  1. Recognize this is a complex set problem (multiple steps)
  2. Estimate time: likely 2-3 minutes
  3. On first pass: Mark and move on
  4. Return if time permits after easier questions

Practice

Complete this 10-question mixed practice set in exactly 10 minutes. Apply all strategies from this unit.

1. [Algebra] Solve for x: 5x - 3 = 2x + 12

2. [Geometry] What is the perimeter of a rectangle with length 8 and width 5?

3. [Data Analysis] A store marks up items by 25%. If an item costs $40 wholesale, what is the retail price?

4. [Advanced Math] If f(x) = 2x^2 - 3, what is f(4)?

5. [Algebra] Which is greater: 3/4 or 5/7?

6. [Geometry] In a right triangle, if one leg is 6 and the hypotenuse is 10, what is the other leg?

7. [Data Analysis] The mean of 5 numbers is 18. What is their sum?

8. [Advanced Math] Simplify: (x^3)(x^4)

9. [Algebra] A number increased by 40% is 84. What is the original number?

10. [Geometry] What is the measure of each angle in a regular hexagon?

Post-Practice Checklist

  • Did you finish in 10 minutes?
  • How many questions did you skip on first pass?
  • Which question type felt most challenging?
  • Log any errors in your error journal

Check Your Understanding

  1. Why is mixed practice more effective than topic-specific practice alone?
  2. What is the recommended distribution of topics in a mixed practice set?
  3. How should you handle a complex question during your first pass?
  4. What four steps make up the Mixed Practice Protocol?
  5. How does context switching on mixed sets prepare you for the real test?

Next Steps

  • Create 3 custom mixed practice sets using problems from different sources
  • Complete one 20-question timed mixed set this week
  • Review all errors using your error log system
  • You have completed the Strategy Playbook unit! Return to the SAT/ACT Skills subject page to continue with other units.