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SAT Test Format: 1. Reading

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the US. The test lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes total and yields a score out of 1600. It consists of two 65 minute reading sections containing 52 multiple choice questions each, one 35 minute writing and language section with 44 questions, two math sections - one allowing calculators with 38 questions in 55 minutes and one without with 20 questions in 25 minutes, and an optional 50 minute essay. The reading, writing and language sections are scored out of 800 total while math is scored out of 800. Questions cover topics like main ideas, evidence, style, grammar, heart of algebra, data analysis, and advanced math.

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Shiv Rajput
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48 views

SAT Test Format: 1. Reading

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the US. The test lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes total and yields a score out of 1600. It consists of two 65 minute reading sections containing 52 multiple choice questions each, one 35 minute writing and language section with 44 questions, two math sections - one allowing calculators with 38 questions in 55 minutes and one without with 20 questions in 25 minutes, and an optional 50 minute essay. The reading, writing and language sections are scored out of 800 total while math is scored out of 800. Questions cover topics like main ideas, evidence, style, grammar, heart of algebra, data analysis, and advanced math.

Uploaded by

Shiv Rajput
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SAT is a paper-based standardized test that is used as one of the entrance criteria for

admission to universities and colleges in the US. School students from around the world
take the SAT to showcase their college-preparedness and skills that they have
developed at school.

SAT has the following test format:

SAT Test Format


SECTION QUESTIONS TIME IN MINUTES
Reading 52 65
Writing and Language 44 35
Math 58 80
SAT Essay 1 task 50

The SAT exam lasts for 3 hours and 50 minutes if you choose to write the essay. The
score ranges from 400-1600. Take a look at the latest SAT syllabus 2020-21 and make
sure that you are headed in the right direction with your SAT prep.

1. Reading

This section is a part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component of


the SAT. It consists of 4-5 passages and a total of 52 questions. You are
required to read and understand these passages and answer the questions that
follow within 65 minutes.

Each 500-750 words-long passage may be taken from:

o Classic or contemporary work of US or world literature


o Document or speech related to the Constitution and founding of the US
o A selection about economics, psychology, sociology, etc.

Each passage is followed by 10-12 multiple-choice questions with four answer


choices. Broadly speaking, the questions are of the following types:

o Main idea or central theme of the passage


o Explanation or inference of a phrase used in the passage
o Function of a phrase or sentence in the passage
o Style, tone, perspective or attitude of the author
o Evidence that supports a stance
o Data analysis on the basis of diagrams, charts or graphs

SAT does not expect you to have prior knowledge of the passage topics as the
questions that are asked are always based on the passage. However, familiarity
with these topics is recommended because one, it helps you develop a reading
habit and two, it is a definitive confidence-building measure.

2. Writing and Language

This section is a part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component of


the SAT. It consists of 4 passages and a total of 44 multiple-choice questions.
You are required to read and understand these passages and answer the
questions that follow in 35 minutes.

Each passage may be taken from articles or write-ups related to:

o Careers
o Science
o History or Social Studies
o Humanities

Commonly-asked question types are based on:

o Strengthen/weaken the argument


o Word choice regarding text, style or tone
o Structural changes to ensure correctness or improve readability
o Sentence structure, punctuation, grammar usage involving verb tense, parallel
construction, subject-verb agreement, etc.

Prior knowledge of topics is not required as all questions lie within the scope of
the passage. Some passages may be accompanied by graphs or charts that
check your interpretative skills (not mathematical skills).

Together, the above two sections are scored on a scale of 200-800.

3. Math

The Math component of the SAT has two parts: Math Test-Calculator and Math
Test-No calculator. Math Test-Calculator has 38 questions to be answered within
55 minutes and Math Test-No Calculator has 20 questions to be answered within
25 minutes. The calculator part of the test involves complex calculations that
necessitates the use of calculator, but if you are comfortable you can choose not
to use one. Check out SAT-approved calculators.

The Math test focuses on three core areas:

o Heart of Algebra
Linear equations with rational coefficients, system of linear equations(with
no solution, finite or infinite solutions), linear inequalities in two variables
and their systems, graphical representation of linear function.

o Problem-solving and Data Analysis


Percentages; ratio and proportion; unit conversion; equation of line or
curve using a scatterplot; two-way tables to calculate conditional
frequencies and conditional probabilities; association of variables or
independence of events; estimation of a population parameter; calculation
of mean, median, mode, range and standard deviation in statistics;
evaluation of reports to check appropriateness of data collection methods.

o Passport to Advanced Math


Quadratic equations with rational coefficients; determination of the most
suitable form of an expression; addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division of polynomial equations; zeros and factors of polynomials, non-
linear relationship between two variables, function notation, isolation of a
variable by rearrangement of formula or equation.

SAT provides you with a cheat sheet of important formulae. Although most
questions in the Math section are multiple-choice, 22 per cent are grid-in
questions wherein a student has to solve the problem, write the correct answer in
the box provided and circle the corresponding bubble in the OMR sheet provided.

The Math section is scored on a scale of 200-800.

4. SAT Essay

This is the optional component of the SAT. However, some universities require or
recommend it. Check SAT essay requirements in your college of choice.

SAT essay allows you to demonstrate your reading, analysis and writing skills.
You are given 50 minutes to read a 650-750 words-long passage and then write
an analysis about how the author builds his or her argument. This type of
question is a standard feature of the SAT essay. The passage, of course, varies
each time. Remember, you are required to analyse the author’s text and identify
the evidence that the author uses to support his or her argument. So, refrain from
stating your opinion. Take a look at the SAT Essay Guide to know more.

Whether you have just begun your SAT prep or are nearly done with it, it always helps
to streamline your prep with the latest SAT syllabus. Happy prepping!

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