SAT

The SAT is composed of two sections: (1) Reading and Writing, and (2) Math. Each section is divided into two modules with a 10 minute break in between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.  The first module of each section contains a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult. 

The table below shows how much time you get for each section and the number of questions for each section:

Component	Time Allotted (minutes)	Number of Questions
Reading and Writing	64 (two 32 min modules)	54
Math	70 (two 35 min modules)	44
Total	134	98

The Digital SAT is a computer adaptive test. The questions you get in Module 2 are adapted depending on how you did in Module 1. As mentioned above, Module 1 is a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. The questions are weighted differently – a correct answer to a hard question will increase your score more than an easy question. If you perform well enough in Module 1, you’ll receive more of the hard questions in Module 2, potentially giving you a higher score by answering those correctly. If you answer fewer questions correctly in Module 1, your Module 2 will consist mostly of easy and medium-difficulty questions.

The Reading and Writing section presents short reading passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions on the Reading and Writing section represent one of four content domains—Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. To help you budget your time, questions that test similar skills and knowledge are grouped together and arranged from easiest to hardest.

The questions on the Reading and Writing section fall into four content domains:

1. Craft and Structure: Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.
2. Information and Ideas: Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
3. Expression of Ideas: Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
4. Standard English Conventions: Measures the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

To better understand content domains and how they help you study, please read: What Are Content Domains? on the collegeboard website. 

Like the Reading and Writing section, the Math section is divided into 2 modules. Over the course of the Math section, you’ll answer multiple-choice and student-produced response questions that measure your fluency with, understanding of, and ability to apply the math concepts, skills, and practices that are most essential.

Approximately 30% of Math questions are set in context. These in-context ("word") questions require you to consider a science, social studies, or real-world scenario and apply your math skills and knowledge, along with an understanding of the context, to determine the answer to each.

Type of Math	Number of Questions
Algebra	13-15
Advanced Math	13-15
Problem Solving and Data Analysis	5-7
Geometry and Trigonometry	5-7

To better understand content domains and how they help you study, please read: What Are Content Domains? on the collegeboard website. 

The SAT Essay asks you to use your reading, analysis, and writing skills. You'll be asked to:

• Read a passage.
• Explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience.
• Support your explanation with evidence from the passage.

SAT Essay Overview

• Total questions: 1 prompt, with points to consider and directions
• 1 passage
• Time allotted: 50 minutes to read and analyze the passage and to develop a written response

What the SAT Essay Measures

The SAT Essay shows how well you understand the passage and use it as the basis for a well-written, well-thought-out response. Your essay will be scored on three dimensions, each on a 2–8 scale:

• Reading: A successful essay shows that you understood the passage, including the interplay of central ideas and important details. It also shows effective use of textual evidence.
• Analysis: A successful essay shows your understanding of how the author builds an argument by:
  • Examining the author's use of evidence, reasoning, and/or stylistic and persuasive techniques (or other elements of your choosing)
  • Supporting your claims and points effectively
  • Focusing on those features of the passage that are most relevant for completing the task
• Writing: A successful essay is cohesive, organized, and precise, uses an appropriate style and tone, has varied sentences, and observes the conventions of standard written English.

The Essay Prompt

The prompt shown below is nearly identical to the one that will appear on the SAT.

The Essay Passage

All passages have these things in common:

• Written for a broad audience
• Argue a point
• Express subtle views on complex subjects
• Use logical reasoning and evidence to support claims
• Examine ideas, debates, or trends in the arts and sciences or in civic, cultural, or political life
• Always taken from published works

All the information you need to write your essay will be included in the passage or in notes about it.

To see an example of the scoring rubric, visit: SAT School Day with Essay on the College Board website