Hi folks. Can somebody break down the SAT EBRW section for me? Like how much reading versus writing there is, how it is formatted, and any top strategies for tackling it effectively? Cheers!
Sure, happy to help!
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section of the SAT is divided into two components: Reading and Writing & Language.
In the Reading section, you'll have 32 minutes to answer 27 questions based on several reading passages. The questions will focus on comprehension, vocabulary in context, and analysis. The questions do not test memorization of facts, but rather your ability to understand, infer, and analyze what you read.
The Writing & Language section also consists of 27 questions that you have 32 minutes to complete. Here you'll be presented with passages in which certain phrases or sentences may contain errors in grammar, style, or punctuation. Your task is to identify and correct these errors.
As for strategies,
1. Close Reading: For the reading comprehension section, the most effective strategy usually involves close reading of the passages. This means really engaging with the text, as opposed to skimming it.
2. Learn Common Grammar Rules: For the Writing & Language part, make sure you are familiar with common grammar rules, as these often form the basis for the section's questions. This includes understanding subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, coordination and subordination, punctuation, parallel structure, and verb tense.
3. Evidence-based Answers: Remember, every answer in the reading section can be found in the text. If you can’t find evidence for an answer in the text, it's likely that another option is better.
4. Use Process of Elimination: If you are unsure about a question, use the process of elimination, by ruling out the answer choices that are clearly incorrect or not supported by the text.
5. Practice with Timing: Practice answering questions under the same time constraints as on the actual test. On average, you have 71 seconds to answer each question.
6. Read a Variety of Texts: To further hone your reading skills, read a variety of texts outside of your study material. This helps you to become familiar with different writing styles and ways of presenting information.
That should give you a great start! Practice regularly, and you'll see improvements.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.