Welcome to SAT Reading preparation! The SAT Reading section is a 65-minute test with 52 multiple-choice questions based on five passages. Each passage is 400 to 750 words long, with 10 to 11 questions per passage. The passages include literature, history and social studies, science, and paired passages that present different perspectives on the same topic.
Effective SAT Reading requires mastering both question types and reading strategies. Use active reading techniques like previewing questions first, identifying main ideas, and noting supporting details. Common question types include main idea questions, detail questions, inference questions, vocabulary in context, author's purpose, and text structure questions. Practice connecting questions back to specific parts of the passage for evidence-based answers.
Use official practice materials from the College Board and Khan Academy for the most accurate preparation. These free resources provide authentic test questions and detailed explanations. For time management, allocate about 13 minutes per passage - spend 1 to 2 minutes reading, then about 1 minute per question. Skip difficult questions initially and return to them later. Always make educated guesses rather than leaving questions blank, as there's no penalty for wrong answers.
Effective improvement requires systematic error analysis. After each practice test, review every incorrect answer to understand both why the correct answer is right and why your choice was wrong. Look for patterns in your mistakes to identify weak areas. Focus your practice on specific question types that challenge you. Read diverse materials daily to improve comprehension skills, and take regular full-length practice tests to track your progress over time.
To summarize your SAT Reading preparation: Master the test format with its five passages and fifty-two questions. Use active reading strategies to identify main ideas and question types. Practice consistently with official materials while developing strong time management skills. Always analyze your mistakes to target improvement areas. Finally, read diverse materials daily to build the comprehension skills needed for success.