What is on the SAT?
SAT Overview:
Are you taking the SAT in the near future or beginning your SAT preparations but aren’t sure what’s on the test? Are you not what to focus on and what to gloss over? In this guide, we will break down each section of the SAT, what type of questions to expect, and what content you need to know. Furthermore, we will let you know exactly what to study, and how important a given content area is to success on the SAT!
There are three main sections on the SAT: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Math is broken up into two separate sections: a calculator section , and a no calculator section. The math sections are combined for a scaled sub-score from 200-800 and the reading and writing sub-scores scores are combined into another scaled score ranging from 200-800; ultimately, both sub-scores are combined to give an overall result out of 1600
The number of questions vary based on the section: in the reading section there are 52 total questions, in the writing & language section there are 44 multiple-choice questions, and in math there are 58 total questions.
| Section | Time Allotted (min.) | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 3 hours 50 minutes | 154 & 1 Essay |
| Reading | 65 | 52 |
| Writing & Language | 35 | 44 |
| Math with calculator | 55 | 38 |
| Math without caclculator | 25 | 20 |
| Essay | 50 | 1 |
What is on the SAT Reading Section?
The Reading Test consists of 4 individual passages and 1 pair of texts; there are a total of 52 questions, 3,250 words total, 500-750 words per passage, and students are given 52 minutes total. You do not need any prior knowledge on what each passage discusses in the reading section. You will be able to answer all the questions based on information provided in the passage.
Passage Types:
U.S. and World Literature: prose fiction, written by American and international authors, and include everything from 18th to 21st century works.
History/Social Studies: examine information and ideas drawn from anthropology, political science, and psychology. These passages discuss social, moral, or ethical issues
Science Passages: explore ideas drawn from biology, chemistry, physics, or Earth Science, and include graphs.
Reading Skills Tested
Word in Context: meaning of a word in the context of the passage, how word choice helps shape meaning and tone.
Command of Evidence: derive information and ideas from a text, and why the author has chosen to use evidence in the context of an argument.
Data Analysis: interpret the information conveyed in a graphic and integrate it with the text.
Evidenced Based Questions: provide the best textual evidence for an answer
What is on the SAT Writing & Language Section?
The Writing and Language section consists of 4 passages, each with 11 questions, for a total of 44 questions, and 1,700 words altogether. Students are given 35 minutes to complete this portion of the exam. The basic aim of the Writing and Language section is to assess college readiness proficiency in revising and editing a range of texts in a variety of contexts.
Passage Types:
Argumentative: take a strong position and use evidence to support a claim.
Narrative Nonfiction:tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
Informative: aim to educate the reader about an issue or topic.
Content Tested:
Command of Evidence: adding, revising, or deleting information and ideas in a text
Words in Context: understanding of the meaning and use of words and phrases in the context of a passage
Expression of Ideas: focus on revision of text for topic development, accurate interpretation of data, logic, cohesion, and rhetorically effective use of language
Standard English Conventions:editing text to correct problems in sentence formation and inappropriate shifts in construction within and between sentences.
What is on SAT Math Sections?
The two Math sections consist of 4 content areas: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving/Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and General Math Topics. Students are given 55 minutes to complete 38 questions in the calculator section, and 25 minutes to complete 20 questions in the no calculator section, of the 58 total questions, 13 will be grid-in responses.
Heart of Algebra: 33 %
Linear functions
Ability to translate a word problem into an expression, equation, or inequality.
Interpret a linear equation, expression, or inequality in context of a word problem
Ability to manipulate single variable equations
Systems of linear equations or inequalities with two variables.
Absolute value
Passport to Advanced Math: 27%
Understanding and Manipulating polynomials
Ability to use a quadratic or exponential function to model a real-life situation.
Solve a quadratic equation by factoring, completing the square, or use of quadratic formula
Polynomial long division
Perform operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with polynomial expressions.
Solve an equation containing variables in the denominator.
Solve a system of equations consisting of a quadratic and linear equation.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis: 30%
Ratios and proportions
Scatter Plots and graphs
Categorical data and probabilities
Experimental interpretation
Median, median, mode, standard deviation
Additional Math Topics: 10%
Transversal lines and angles
Triangles and polygons
Trigonometric Functions
Complex numbers
Calculating volume and area formulas provided on the test
Pythagorean theorem
Similar triangles
Circles: arc lengths, angle measures, chord lengths, sector areas
How to Prepare for the SAT
Now that you know what is on the SAT you will need to get ready for the exam. There are a number of options to get ready for the exam including free resources like Kahn Academy, or private tutoring services like StudyTime Tutoring. However you decide to prepare for the exam we would love to help, so feel free to contact us to discuss the best plan for you! Good luck!
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/test-specifications-redesigned-sat-1.pdf