SAT Exam pattern is not hard to crack. But definitely it is important to crack it. Once you know the pattern, you know the crux of paper. Then you can start preparing for your exam likewise. The topics of eminent importance and those who carry lesser marks get differentiated. And on the basis of this, you frame your strategy.
SAT is conducted more than 5 times annually depending upon the country. The maximum limit of conducting the SAT exam to date is 7 times. More than 1.7 million students sit for the SAT exam annually. The cost of registration ranges between USD 52.50 to USD 101.50. The cost alters from region to region.
SAT EXAM PATTERN EXPLAINED
- The SAT exam is a 3 Hours and 50 minutes long entrance exam.
- The paper broadly comprises of 2 sections-
- Evaluation Based Reading and Writing (EBRW)
- Math Section
- The SAT exam has an optional Essay section. This means that it is up to you whether or not you want to attempt this section. But mostly Colleges ask for the Essay part too. So it is always beneficial to opt for this section.
SAT EXAM PATTERN EXPLAINED (Briefly)
EVALUATION BASED READING AND WRITING (EBRW)
This section totally comprises of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The MCQs are based on passage as well as informal graphics. The informal graphics comprises of information on International Importance in the form of tables, graphs, charts, and even pie-graphs.
| SECTION | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ASKED. | TIME ALLOTTED TO ATTEMPT (in minutes) |
| Reading | 52 | 65 |
| Writing | 44 | 35 |
| Total | 96 | 100 |
READING SECTION
- The Reading section comprises of a passage from the U.S or World Literature. They are taken from classic or contemporary works of U.S and World Literature.
- Passages on Economics, psychology, history, social studies, and others.
- From the work of science come 2 packages.
- One literary passage from the International work of fiction. It can be from short stories, novels, or essays.
- Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completions, and Paragraph-length critical reading.
SAT EXAM PATTERN- TYPES OF QUESTION ASKED
The reading section of the SAT exam is divided into 3 segments
| Subject and Duration | Scores. | Sub-Section/ Total number of Questions. | Questions |
| Evaluating Reading. 65 minutes | 200-800 (combined with the writing section) | 52 questions | 1. Information and ideas. |
| 2. Rhetoric Questions. | |||
| 3. Synthesis Questions. |
Information and Ideas
Questions related to information and ideas. These are direct or indirect questions focusing on the main idea of the passage.
Rhetoric Questions-
In this section questions asked are usually about the theme, style, or tone of the passage.
Synthesis
Synthesis questions students need to draw conclusions. They must draw conclusions from passages. They must solve informational graphs, tables, and charts.
WRITING SECTION
- MCQs based on 4 passages.
- Students are required to revise and edit the passages. The passage is of science, history, humanities, and others.
- Passage writing modes are narrative
SAT EXAM PATTERN- TYPES OF QUESTIONS ASKED
| Subject and Duration | Scores | Sub-Section/ Total number of Questions | Questions |
| Writing 35 minutes | 200-800 (combined with the Reading section). | 44 questions | 1. Expression of Idea. |
| 2. Standard English Conventions. | |||
| 3. All the questions are from extended prose. |
Expression of Idea
In this section, questions are mostly related to the structural and organizational passages. Their language is being tested in this part.
Standard English Conventions
Students are required to fix the structural and grammatical errors. The usage of punctuations is there. The re-organization of sentences is also tested in this section.
MATHEMATICS SECTION
- The mathematics section consists of 2 parts. One with the use of a calculator and the other without its use.
- Grid ins- 20% of the paper.
- Math with the calculator comprises of 30MCQs. 8 grid questions are there.
- Grid questions are to be answered in the grid Bubble sheet.
- Real-life setting questions are framed. These are science, social science, and other aspects.
| Subject and Duration | Scores | Sub Sections/ Number of Questions | Questions |
| Mathematics 80 minutes. | 200-800 | With Calculator | 1. Problem-solving and data analysis 2. Heart of Algebra 3. Passport to Advanced math |
| Without a calculator. | |||
| Total questions 58. |
Heart of Algebra
It comprises of questions based on algebraic equations. Like the linear equations and quadratic equations. The students need to manipulate and solve these equations.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Students need to interpret the data given in charts and tables and then solve the questions. Questions are mostly related to real-life. The questions are based on the concept of ratio and proportion. They are also based on Percentages and Proportional Reasoning.
Passport and Advance Math
Advance level questions are asked based on equations. Students need to manipulate, understand, and then solve these complex problems. The problems are based on equations and mathematical functions.
SAT EXAM PATTERN- SAT ESSAY QUESTION
SAT essay sectional is an optional section. This means that it is your choice whether you want to opt for it or not. But most of the colleges ask for the Essay section. The essay section gives a deeper insight into a student’s mind, his personality, and his thought process.
In order to attempt an extra Essay section, you have to pay extra. But that will be more beneficial for you. Most of the reputed colleges have a strict policy to include essays. They monitor their results
The essay section is conducted to comprehend your Reading skills. it evaluates your Writing and Analyzing skills.
Reading skill is the ability to read. And also relate to the passage and comprehend it.
Writing skills are tested in this section. The formation and structure of sentences and punctuations is given. Grammar and other things are administered in this section.
This section covers a student’s ability to analyze the passage by the author.
There is no set passage or type of passage in this essay section. Still, some points must be considered.
1. The passage is written keeping in mind a broad audience. Its level is not set too high and not too low.
2. Some passages might argue a point. For example like “against or in support of some argument.”
3. Complex subjects are there. Students need to provide subtle views. The essay section is always taken from the published works. These can be from social, political, or historical works.
Follow the official SAT website. Click on the link https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/
Just click on the link https://careercarta.com/sat-exam-things-you-must-know/