Wondering what’s up with the SAT? Read on and find out!
SAT testing: The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section
This entire section consists exclusively of critical reading questions designed to test your reading and grammar skills at the sentence, paragraph, and passage level.
This 65-minute portion of the test includes 4 individual passages and 1 pair of passages. It has 52 questions. The passages themselves may include narrative, persuasive and informative passages, with topics ranging from classic and contemporary literature from the US and the world, social sciences, historically important documents, and basic concepts and recent developments in science.
The Evidence-Based Writing section is made up of 4 passages and 44 multiple choice questions and lasts for 35 minutes. The topics of these passages always include careers, social studies, the humanities, and science.
SAT testing: The Math section
The Math section of the SAT includes 2 sections and a total of 58 questions. In the first section, calculators are not permitted, and it contains 20 questions and lasts for 25 minutes. The second section has 38 questions, and lasts for 55 minutes, and you can use a calculator.
Within the entire Math section, there are four main content areas: fundamental algebra involving linear equations and inequalities, problem solving and data analysis, advanced concepts in algebra, including quadratic and higher-order equations, and finally additional topics including geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers.
SAT testing: The Optional Essay
The Optional Essay section allows you to show your ability to comprehend source material, analyze an argument, and write effectively. The new SAT essay prompt asks you to read and analyze a provided passage and write an essay, using up to 50 minutes.
Essays are graded on three specific criteria: Reading, Analysis, and Writing, each of which is measured on a scale of 2 to 8, yielding a score range of 6-24.
SAT scores
The highest possible score on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is 800, and the Math section having a maximum score of 800. The highest possible total score is therefore 1,600.
The optional essay section is separately scored, and has a maximum of 24.
SAT prep is a proven way to increase your scores. While you need to have a strong foundation in writing, reading, and math to score well, SAT test prep will teach you strategies to get the most from the knowledge you have. SAT help will allow you to determine your weaknesses and focus on improving them. Check out the free SAT practice test available here at Peterson’s to get some great prep right now.
