Studying for the SAT can be challenging, does anyone know what the different sections on the SAT exam are? I've heard of Math and Reading but I want to know what else there is and what they focus on exactly.
Sure, the SAT is made up of two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is composed of two tests: the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test.
The Reading Test contains five passages, which may include one or two paired passages. The topics of the passages rotate and include literature, history/social studies, and science. The test’s purpose is to assess your ability to comprehend what you read, analyze how parts of the text work together, and understand words in context. It has 54 questions which you'll have 64 minutes to answer.
The Writing and Language Test is designed to assess your ability to revise and edit texts from a range of content areas. You will see passages and associated graphics - tables, graphs, and charts - and will have to make corrections and improvements to the texts. This section has 54 questions, to which you have 64 minutes to answer.
On the Math section, there are 44 questions and two 35-minute modules to answer them. This section assesses problem-solving, understanding of mathematical concepts, and the application of those skills in different contexts. Note that you can use a calculator on both math modules, which wasn't the case before the SAT went digital in 2024.
The SAT does not have an essay section anymore. The essay was a separate optional portion of the test but it was discontinued in 2021.
Remember to review all questions with the Bluebook™ app or online on the CollegeBoard website where you can find practice tests that follow this new format.
Hope that helps!
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