Grade: Grade 5 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Revision Strategies SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Review Mistakes

Learn

Making mistakes is actually one of the BEST ways to learn! The key is to review your mistakes carefully so you don't make the same errors again. Top test-takers spend as much time reviewing mistakes as they do practicing new questions.

Change Your Mindset About Mistakes

X

Wrong Thinking

"I got it wrong. I'm bad at this. I'll just move on and forget about it."

Check

Right Thinking

"I got it wrong. This is a chance to learn! Let me figure out WHY so I won't make this mistake again."

The 5-Step Error Review Process

LEARN from Every Mistake

Follow these steps each time you miss a question

1

Identify the Question Type

Was this a word choice, sentence structure, organization, or focus question? Knowing the type helps you spot patterns.

2

Understand Why Your Answer Was Wrong

Don't just see that you got it wrong - figure out WHY your choice was incorrect. What made it a bad answer?

3

Understand Why the Correct Answer Is Right

Read the explanation carefully. What makes this the BEST choice? How is it better than the other options?

4

Identify Your Mistake Pattern

Did you rush? Misread? Not know the rule? Understanding your mistake type helps prevent future errors.

5

Write It Down in Your Error Log

Keep a record of your mistakes. Review it before tests to remind yourself what to watch out for!

Common Mistake Patterns to Watch For

Rushing

Reading too fast and missing key words in the question or passage

Careless Errors

Knowing the rule but not applying it carefully

Knowledge Gaps

Not knowing a grammar rule or vocabulary word

Trap Answers

Picking answers that "sound good" but don't actually fit

Examples: Error Review in Action

Let's walk through reviewing a mistake step by step.

Example: Reviewing a Word Choice Error

The scientist was enthused about the discovery that would change medical research forever.

Question: Which choice maintains the formal tone of the passage?

My Wrong Answer:

A) enthused

Correct Answer:

B) enthusiastic

Error Review Analysis:

Step 1 - Question Type: Word Choice (tone/formality)

Step 2 - Why I Was Wrong: "Enthused" is informal/casual. I didn't notice it was asking about FORMAL tone.

Step 3 - Why B Is Right: "Enthusiastic" is the formal adjective form, appropriate for academic writing.

Step 4 - My Mistake Pattern: Misread question - didn't focus on "formal tone"

Step 5 - Lesson Learned: Always check if the question mentions TONE and match formality level.

Example: Reviewing a Structure Error

The team practiced every day, they wanted to win the championship.

Question: Which choice corrects the sentence structure?

My Wrong Answer:

A) they (NO CHANGE)

Correct Answer:

C) because they

Error Review Analysis:

Step 1 - Question Type: Sentence Structure (run-on)

Step 2 - Why I Was Wrong: I didn't recognize this was a comma splice (two complete sentences joined by just a comma).

Step 3 - Why C Is Right: "Because" makes the second part dependent, properly connecting the ideas.

Step 4 - My Mistake Pattern: Knowledge gap - need to review run-on sentence rules.

Step 5 - Lesson Learned: When two complete sentences are joined by a comma, I need a conjunction!

Your Error Log

Use this template to track your mistakes. You can add entries as you practice!

My Error Log

Date Question Type What I Chose Correct Answer Why I Was Wrong Lesson Learned
Example Word Choice "enthused" "enthusiastic" Missed formal tone requirement Check for tone in word choice questions
Example Structure No change "because they" Didn't spot run-on sentence Look for comma splices!

Error Log Tips

  • Review your error log before every practice session
  • Look for patterns - are you making the same type of mistake?
  • Focus extra practice on your most common error types
  • Celebrate when you stop making a mistake you used to make!

Practice: Review These Mistakes

Practice the error review process with these questions. After answering, write your review!

Error Review Practice

Answer each question, then complete the review prompt

Question 1

The museum's new exhibit has attracted thousands of visitors since it opened last month.

Which choice is correct?

Complete Your Review:

Question Type: Subject-Verb Agreement

The Rule: "Exhibit" is singular, so it needs "has" (singular verb).

Question 2

The hikers were tired. They kept walking. They wanted to reach camp before dark.

Which best combines the underlined sentences?

Complete Your Review:

Question Type: Sentence Combining

The Rule: "Because" shows the reason/cause relationship between the ideas.

Question 3

The athlete trained real hard to prepare for the Olympic trials.

Which choice is correct?

Complete Your Review:

Question Type: Adjective vs. Adverb

The Rule: "Really" (adverb) modifies "hard" (another adverb). "Real" is an adjective.

Question 4

[1] First, the baker mixes the ingredients. [2] The cake rises in the oven. [3] Next, she pours the batter into pans. [4] Finally, she adds frosting.

For logical sequence, sentence 2 should be placed:

Complete Your Review:

Question Type: Organization/Sequence

The Rule: Steps should be in logical order: mix, pour, bake (rise), frost.

Check Your Understanding

You've mastered error review when you can:

1

Identify

Name the question type for any error

2

Analyze

Explain why wrong answers are wrong

3

Pattern

Spot your common mistake types

4

Learn

Apply lessons to avoid repeat errors

Remember: Mistakes Are Teachers!

Every mistake you review carefully is one you're less likely to make on the real test. The students who improve the most are the ones who spend time understanding their errors, not just doing more and more practice questions.

Next Steps

  • Start your own error log - paper or digital
  • Review your log before every practice session
  • Focus extra practice on your weakest areas
  • Move on to Mixed Set for comprehensive practice