Arco SAT II Writing

I admit that I am a grammar geek. I studied this book for hours, and had a blast doing it. The book has a diagnostic test, descriptions of the 3 questions types, essay tips for the 20-minute essay, the obligatory generic test-taking tips, and 6 sample tests with answers. I do wish they had included how to calculate your score for the sample tests, but at least there were explanations of every answer. I timed myself on one of their essay questions to make sure I would be able to complete it when taking the test and did one test-length set of multiple-choice questions. Most of their grammar review was clear. A book like this is essential for this test because the SAT II Writing tests formal English, which has some archaic rules that no one in their right mind actually uses. (Ex: "off of" is incorrect in formal usage). Even a person who speaks good English needs to study for this test. English, writing, and grammar happen to be my strong points, but without this book I'm sure I would have scored lower than the 760 I received.

Outlines all the basic stuff you need to know to score high on the test. Correct grammar, correct writing style, and many other things are discussed. After giving it a cursory glance, I learned a few new things I hadn't known before. My score of 660 will most likely go up to at least 750 after using this book. Still, the book could be better. Like most other books, it is boring, and it does not present the information in a way that will stick with you forever.