SAT Reading Section Format?

Hi there! I'm gearing up to take my SAT soon and I'm a little confused about the format of the reading section. Does anyone have a sample of some SAT reading questions or any tips on what to expect on test day? It'd help to have an idea of the kind of questions I'll be facing. Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to help! The Reading and Writing sections of the SAT share a similar structure: each is divided into two 32-minute modules, with a total of 54 questions to answer. Time management is crucial here, as you have about 75 seconds to answer each question, which includes processing the information and selecting your answer.

The reading passages usually include one literature passage, a couple of social sciences or humanities passages, and a couple of natural science passages. The passages might also include one or two paired passages where you'll be required to compare and analyze two texts.

Most questions will operate under the evidence-based reading paradigm, which means that you will not only be asked to answer a question about the passage, but also to provide the best evidence for your previous answer. You might encounter questions about a passage's central themes or arguments, details or inferences, words in context, the author's point of view or purpose, and analyzing a claim or counterclaim.

On test day, it's important to bring a confident mindset alongside your test-taking strategies. Familiarize yourself with this format and practice answering various types of questions under simulated time constraints. It's also useful to read widely across academic disciplines to familiarize yourself with different writing styles and themes.

The College Board's Bluebook™ app provides full-length practice tests and is a great resource to simulate an actual test environment. Practicing often will help you become more comfortable with the timing and the types of questions that will be presented. Good luck!