February 2016
How is the Test organized?
The redesigned SAT has four tests, the essay is optional. The breakdown is as follows
Reading consists of 52 questions with a time of 65 minutes alloted for this section
Writing and Language consist of 44 questions, with a time of 35 minutes alloted for this section
The Essay is optional consists of 1 task, with a time of 50 minutes for this task
Math consists of 58 questions, and has a total of 80 minutes for this section
Reading Test Passages
The SAT will have passages from a wide range of subject areas, devote more practice time to the types of passages you're less comfortable reading
Two passages on the SAT Reading Test will include one or two informational graphics- tables, charts or graphs. These questions will assess your skills in locating and interpreting information within the text
Always ensure that you base your answer on an option closer to the reading
All the information you need to answer the questions can be found in the passage themselves or in supplementary materials. Be careful not to apply outside knowledge to the passage or questions, as this may interfere with your intepretation of the text
Keywords in the question will often clue you in on whether you're being asked about a detail that was mentioned in the passage or suggested by the passage
While interpreting words and phrases, do not rely solely on your vocabulary knowledge. Words often have multiple definitions, so be sure to consider the context in which the word of phrase is being used
Writing and Language
Each passage will be headed by a title in boldface type. The passage is spread across multiple pages. Most questions are anchored to a particular location in the passage via a boxed question number in the passage. If the boxed number stands alone, the associated question will tell you what to do, such as consider adding a sentence at that point. At other times, this boxed number will be followed by an underlined text; for these you will have to consider which of the four answer options is correct in terms of standard written english
All questions on the Writing and Language Test are multiple choice with four answer options
All questions are passage based, consider each question in the context of the passage before selecting your answer
Some questions include a "No change" option; choose this option if you think the original text is the apt choice
Essay
The redesigned SAT essay requires candidates to analyze an argument in order to explain how the author builds his or her argument to persuade an audience. You are not asked to take a stance on the topic. The support that you provide for your analysis will not come from your own prior knowledge, opinions or experiences, but rather found in the reading passage
The essay does not ask you to take a stand on the issue
The scores that you receive will reflect your criteria in reading, analysis and writing
Ensure that you understand what the essay is asking you to do
The main focus of your essay should focus on how the author develops an argument that is persuasive
An essay that provides strong analysis of well chosen points is likely to score better