Final Mixed Set
Learn
This final lesson brings together everything from the Mixed Practice unit. You'll work through questions that require smooth transitions between domains, strategic thinking, and efficient time use.
Unit Summary: Key Takeaways
- Reading skills: Main idea, evidence, inference, author's purpose
- Writing skills: Grammar, transitions, concision, style
- Math skills: Algebra, data analysis, word problems, geometry
- Cross-domain skills: Process of elimination, annotation, time management
- Transition skills: Mental reset, strategy recall, maintaining focus
Final Checklist Before Tests
- Can you quickly identify question types in each domain?
- Do you have a strategy for each common question type?
- Can you smoothly transition between domains?
- Do you know when to move on from a difficult question?
- Have you practiced full-length mixed sessions?
Pacing Guidelines for Mixed Practice
| Domain | Average Time per Question | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60-90 seconds | Read strategically, not word-by-word |
| Writing/Grammar | 45-60 seconds | Read the sentence, identify the issue, check answer |
| Math (no calc) | 60-75 seconds | Show minimal work, mental math when possible |
| Math (calculator) | 75-90 seconds | Use calculator strategically, not for everything |
Examples
Example: Complete Mixed Problem Set
Try this mini-set that includes all domains:
1. (Reading) Which best describes the author's tone in a passage arguing for renewable energy?
2. (Writing) "The team, along with their coaches, are traveling tomorrow." - Is this correct?
3. (Math) If 3x - 7 = 14, what is the value of 6x?
Solutions:
- Look for persuasive language - likely "advocating" or "supportive"
- Subject-verb agreement error: "team" is singular, should be "is traveling"
- Solve for x first: 3x = 21, x = 7. Then 6x = 42. Or note 6x = 2(3x) = 2(21) = 42.
Practice Quiz
This final quiz mixes different question types. Practice transitioning smoothly between them.
1. (Reading) A passage states that "solar energy production has increased tenfold since 2010." What type of evidence is this?
Answer: Quantitative/statistical evidence. The phrase "increased tenfold" provides a specific numerical comparison that supports the claim about growth in solar energy.
2. (Math) What is 15% of 80?
Answer: 12. Mental math: 10% of 80 = 8, 5% of 80 = 4, so 15% = 8 + 4 = 12. This should take about 5 seconds without a calculator.
3. (Writing) "Running through the park, the trees looked beautiful." What error does this sentence contain?
Answer: Dangling modifier. The phrase "Running through the park" seems to modify "trees," but trees don't run. Correct: "Running through the park, I thought the trees looked beautiful."
4. (Reading) If an author uses words like "allegedly," "supposedly," and "claimed," what does this suggest about their stance?
Answer: The author is expressing skepticism or doubt. These words signal that the author is not fully endorsing the claims being presented and may question their validity.
5. (Math) A rectangle has a perimeter of 24 and a length of 8. What is its width?
Answer: 4. Perimeter = 2l + 2w, so 24 = 2(8) + 2w = 16 + 2w. Therefore 2w = 8, and w = 4.
6. (Writing) Choose the correct word: "The effect/affect of the new policy was immediate."
Answer: "Effect." Effect (noun) = result or outcome. Affect (verb) = to influence. "The effect was immediate" uses the noun form correctly.
7. (Reading) What is the primary purpose of a counterargument in a persuasive essay?
Answer: To acknowledge opposing viewpoints and then refute them, which strengthens the author's own argument by showing they have considered and addressed alternative perspectives.
8. (Math) If f(x) = 2x + 3, what is f(5)?
Answer: 13. Substitute 5 for x: f(5) = 2(5) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13. Function notation simply means plugging in the given value.
9. (Writing) "The company announced it's new product line." Is this correct?
Answer: No. "It's" = "it is." The sentence needs the possessive "its": "The company announced its new product line."
10. (Mixed) You have 2 minutes left and 3 questions remaining. What should you do?
Answer: Quickly scan all three questions. Answer the one(s) you can do fastest. For any you can't solve, eliminate obviously wrong answers and make an educated guess. Never leave questions blank.
Check Your Understanding
You should now be able to:
- Transition smoothly between reading, writing, and math questions
- Apply appropriate strategies for each domain
- Manage your time effectively across mixed question sets
- Use cross-domain skills like process of elimination consistently
Next Steps
- Continue practicing with full-length mixed sets
- Track your errors and look for patterns
- Focus extra time on your weakest domain
- Build stamina with progressively longer practice sessions