Complete Guide to the SAT English Section: Reading and Writing Tips

What Is SAT?

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States and other countries. It assesses a student’s readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point to compare all applicants. The test is administered by the College Board.

SAT Exam’s English (Literature) section assesses skills in reading and writing through a range of question types and passages. This section is divided into Reading and Writing components, each evaluating different aspects of your ability to understand and analyze text. The Reading section includes questions on main ideas, details, and inferences, while the Writing section focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and usage. Understanding the format and types of questions can help in preparing effectively for this part of the SAT.

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) Module Details

Time: 64 minutes (2 modules of 32 minutes each)
Number of Questions: 54 questions (27 per module)
Types of Passages: Short texts from literature, history, social studies, science, and humanities
Scoring: Each correct answer earns 1 point; no penalty for incorrect answers

How is SAT Scored?

Reading: 200-800 points
Mathematics: 200-800 points
Total: 400-1600 points

SAT Reading & Writing Question Types

1. Craft and Structure

Vocabulary in Context: Determine the meaning of a word or phrase as it is used in a specific sentence or passage, often considering tone and nuance.
Purpose of a Phrase or Sentence: Understand why the author included a particular sentence or detail, such as to explain, contrast, or emphasize an idea.
Text Structure and Organization: Analyze how paragraphs or sentences contribute to the overall structure and flow of the passage.
Point of View and Rhetoric: Identify the author’s tone, perspective, or rhetorical strategies used to persuade or inform the reader.

2. Information and Ideas

Main Idea / Central Claim: Identify the primary argument or main point the author is making in a passage.
Supporting Evidence: Locate details or examples within the text that support the author’s claims or main ideas.
Inference: Draw logical conclusions based on information presented in the text, even if not explicitly stated.
Data Interpretation: Analyze and interpret information presented in charts, graphs, or tables linked to the passage.
Paired Passage Analysis: Compare and contrast two short passages or excerpts, answering questions about how the ideas, tone, or arguments in one relate to the other. This can include questions like how the author of one passage might respond to the other or identify similarities and differences in perspective.

3. Standard English Conventions

Sentence Boundaries: Correct issues like run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and comma splices to ensure each sentence is complete and clear.
Verb Tense and Agreement: Use correct verb tense and maintain subject-verb agreement throughout sentences.
Pronoun Usage: Ensure pronouns are used clearly, agree in number and gender, and do not create ambiguity.
Punctuation: Apply correct usage of commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, dashes, and other punctuation marks to clarify meaning.

4. Expression of Ideas

Clarity and Conciseness: Choose the option that expresses an idea most clearly and efficiently, eliminating redundancy or wordiness.
Logical Transitions: Improve the flow and coherence of the passage by selecting appropriate transition words or phrases that connect ideas smoothly.
Revising for Purpose and Tone: Edit sentences or phrases to better match the overall purpose, style, or tone of the passage.
Sentence and Paragraph Order: Rearrange sentences or paragraphs to improve organization, coherence, and the logical progression of ideas within the passage.

The Best Way to Prepare for SAT

Blue Book, also known as “The Official SAT Study Guide,” is widely regarded as the most effective resource for SAT preparation due to its inclusion of multiple authentic practice tests (mock tests) and comprehensive answer explanations. Its official practice tests very closely resemble the actual exam, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to experience test conditions and assess their readiness. In contrast, all other resources (in my humble opinion) are deemed completely useless compared to the Blue Book’s authentic mock tests, which stand out as the most reliable and essential tool for SAT study, offering unparalleled insight into the exam format and content.

Paper books may not be the optimal study tool for SAT preparation due to the adaptive nature of the exam. Unlike traditional paper-based tests, the SAT is administered electronically, allowing questions to adapt to each student’s performance level. This means that the difficulty of questions may vary based on individual responses, ensuring a personalized testing experience. As a result, static paper books may not accurately replicate the adaptive nature of the exam, potentially limiting their effectiveness in preparing students for the dynamic nature of the SAT. Instead, utilizing digital resources, such as Bluebook and adaptive learning platforms, may better simulate the exam’s adaptivity and provide more tailored preparation.

In conclusion, regarding test preparation, it’s my perspective that the majority of available resources are primarily designed to confuse and market products rather than genuinely aid students. Everything necessary to achieve a top score is easily accessible, and most of the time, for free. Rather than investing in lengthy 600-page books that may never read, prioritize studying and practice to optimize your performance. It’s not the most exciting approach, but it will save you a lot of money and help you achieve the highest score possible.

How to download free SAT study guides

All the official materials and practice tests, including the Blue Book app, are available for free on the College Board’s website. In addition to practice tests, students can access study guides, scoring insights, and more—all of which are directly provided by the organization that administers the SAT.

DOWNLOAD BLUEBOOK FROM COLLEGE BOARD’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Unfortunately it can’t be run on mobile phones. You will need a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop. You can read more about compatibilities and device requirements on their website and during the exam registration.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAT REGISTRATION

Official SAT Practice Tests Explained

While there are many helpful SAT guides on YouTube, majority of them lack in-depth explanations, especially from the perspective of non-native speakers. Native speakers might find certain test strategies and concepts self-evident, overlooking nuances that could be crucial for others. This oversight can leave international test-takers feeling underserved.

Join me as I go through all the questions from the official SAT practice tests, providing thorough explanations along the way. If needed, I’ll refer to helpful grammar books and other resources to ensure clarity and comprehension.

OFFICIAL SAT PRACTICE TEST #6 [QUIZ]

IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF EACH QUESTION FROM OFFICIAL SAT PRACTICE TEST #6

Study With Me

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